Rio Ngumoha has not been given the minutes he would have hoped for this season.
The Reds’ academy is one of the best in the world, and whether that is developing youngsters from the start or bringing them to the club from elsewhere, it is stacked with quality.
The latest to make a real name for himself is Ngumoha, although he did not last long in the academy since joining from Chelsea due to having so much quality.
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However, since being promoted to the first-team, he has seen minutes hard to come by, with many wondering why he does not drop down to get some minutes.
The reason why has been revealed, though, and in all honesty, it makes complete sense.
Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool running during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atletico de Madrid at Anfield
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Arne Slot does not want Rio Ngumoha to miss first-team training
High quality youngsters like Ngumoha tend to have three options; play academy football, go out on loan or try and get some minutes with the first-team off the bench.
Ngumoha is trying to do the latter but it is not quite paying off just yet, which is strange given how big an impact he makes when he has come on in the past.
A spell in the Under 21s might be a good idea to make sure he maintains sharpness, but according to The Athletic, Arne Slot wants to keep him where he is.
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This is because Liverpool believe he will benefit from being around the first-team every day, with the 17-year-old able to learn on the job.
Slot is said to want him in the senior side because if he drops down, he will miss three days of training sessions — the day before the match, matchday and the following day for recovery.
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Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool lines up before the Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool at Etihad Stadium
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Long term, Liverpool think this will be best for his development, with this also suggesting that there is a plan to give him more minutes in the future.
Rio Ngumoha needs to be patient
Although he has all the talent in the world, Ngumoha needs to bide his time and not get frustrated.
Being in the first-team at such a young age is already a big achievement, but becoming more of a regular takes time and consistency.
He will get some chances off the bench, he will just need to continue taking them, and he will get more opportunities when the FA Cup matches start too.
Ngumoha once said he wants to win the Ballon d’Or, and if he stays patient and works hard, then what is stopping him from achieving his dream?