From East London Stadium to Anfield Heroes: Reds star Engumoha s growth counterattack path

Leo Ngumoha grew up from a child at the East London Stadium to the hottest rising star in English football today.

When the young winger scored his first goal at Liverpool and became the club's youngest goalkeeper, his enlightenment coach Terry Bobby Aguiyekum was standing in front of the TV. As soon as he saw Salah's cross landing at Ngumoha's feet, he knew what would happen.

Bobi Aguiyekum said: "I knew he would definitely send the ball into the net. Breakthrough and finish the shot, which is what makes him unique. That moment was really shocking and gave people goosebumps. Dreams can really come true."

Ngumoha calmly scored the 100th minute victory against Newcastle from Liverpool's cage stadium against Newcastle

From the cage stadium in East London to the Chelsea youth training

Ngumoha's football dream starts from small streets and cage stadiums in East London.

Bobby Aguiyecombe recalled: "All the credit is due to his brother James. James would take him to train at the Powerleague cage court in Beckton every day. All his basic movements were practiced with his brother.

"Leo was about six or seven years old at the time and was sent to Chelsea's Preparatory Youth Training Center in Bakin, East London, where I happened to coach there. He didn't stay with us for long because he was his birthday at the end of August and came relatively late. But even so, his skills and unyielding spirit under his feet are already impressive.

"Of course, you can't tell that your child will definitely play in the top league at that age. You can see potential, but the road to football is long and full of variables."

The coaching staff finally decided unanimously that when Engumoha reaches age, he would recommend him to officially join the Chelsea Kobham youth training camp.

Reunion: After a few years, the two met again like fate. In 2021, Engumoha studied at Kingsford High School and was selected to represent Newham to participate in the London Youth Games. This event is a multi-event competitive stage for students in various districts of London, and has trained famous players including track and field superstar Farah and Liverpool winger Sterling.

At that time, Bobby Ajiyekum had already founded the elite youth training club Levels FC and was invited to serve as the coach of the Newham area team. He said: "It was a five-six-a-side game. The ninth-grade kids were participating, but Leo was only in the eighth-grade. He grew up very quickly."

"He became confident, even with a little 'arrogance', but that was positive. He was a completely performing player and could easily change the trend of the game."

"It's a pity that there were no Veo cameras commonly used in that era, otherwise we could leave behind images of his wonderful goals. Some of the goals he scored were incredible. His way of shooting was completely dominated by the whole game."

According to local media reports, in the semi-finals against Halflyn, Ngumoha took the lead in helping Newham lead 2-0. Although the opponent tied tenaciously, Newham took the lead again, and at the last moment, Engumoha used a "dazzling breakthrough and incredible shot" to lock in the victory.

Ngumoha helped Newham win the 2021 London Youth Games championship

In the final, he also scored a goal, helping Newham beat Islington 3-0 to win the championship. In less than four years, he completed his final victory in his Premier League debut - breaking Newcastle goal in the 100th minute of stoppage time and becoming a Liverpool hero.

Levels FC: From grassroots to star-making factories

Bobi Ajiyekum, although modestly stated that he had no credit, he and Levels FC were proud of their achievements.

Since its establishment in Bakin in 2018, Levels FC has won many local championships, and 80 players have entered the youth training system of major top clubs in England, of which 5 have successfully become professional players. In February this year, Arsenal teenager Aiden Hever officially transferred to Manchester United, which is one of them.

Today, Bobby Aguiyecomb is both the CEO of Levels and continues to serve as Chelsea's regional coordinator in East London. The biggest success story under his command is Josh Acheanpon.

He said: "Josh was the first signing player I recommended for Chelsea. That time I went to see a striker, but found that Josh completely defended the striker, but I recommended Josh instead."

"His journey to fame was not that sensational, but he was selected into the Chelsea first team and gradually gained a foothold."

From Chelsea to Liverpool: Controversy and Choice

When Ngumoha decided to leave Chelsea and join Liverpool last year, the Blues were quite dissatisfied. But in Bobby Ajiyekum's eyes, this is a brave choice.

He said: "The outside world mistakenly thinks he is a Manchester United fan, but in fact, he has always supported Liverpool. The transfer did cause controversy, but football is like this, the worst of the jungle. Leo and his brother are brave, he supports Liverpool, so that's not a problem at all."

The new generation of Premier League geniuses

The match between the new generation of Premier League geniuses

15-year-old Max Dowman became the second youngest player in Premier League history

In the same Premier League round where Ngumoha defeated Newcastle, another London-born prodigy also caused a sensation.

15-year-old Max Dowman became the youngest Premier League player in Arsenal's history and created a penalty in a 5-0 victory against Leeds. Liverpool will face Arsenal at home on Sunday, with Ngumoha and Doman expected to face a head-on match.

Bobi Aguilecomb said: "I watched Doman last year. He scored twice in Arsenal's U18 match against Southampton and tied the score from 0-3 to 3-3.. "

" But in my opinion, Leo is still the better one. ”