After shooting to fame for a starring role in the Netflix drama ‘Adolescence’, young Owen Cooper has quickly become one of Liverpool’s most talked about supporters.
The 16-year-old took the acting world by storm for his role as a teen accused of murder, and has since been scooping up award after award.
Another came on Sunday evening, as Cooper was named as the Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series in Santa Monica.
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Do you think it’s time for Arne Slot to start trusting Rio Ngumoha more?
Aldo reckons he would solve our predictability issue…
John Aldridge on Rio Ngumoha
John Aldridge on Rio Ngumoha
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The teenager was seen discussing Liverpool with Timothee Chalamet during the event, and although he insisted that he is ‘not a Scouser,’ Warrington born Cooper is known to be a big Red.
He confirmed this once again on Wednesday evening as, mere days after winning a prestigious award, he demanded to see Arne Slot give Rio Ngumoha more game time.
Owen Cooper demands Arne Slot ‘Free Rio’
Ngumoha has become a big talking point for Liverpool fans over recent months. With Cody Gakpo struggling on the left of the attack, Slot has been reluctant to throw the youngster in.
Although there are good reasons for not doing so, the Liverpool head coach has infuriated certain sections of the support for seemingly letting Ngumoha’s development stagnate.
Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Fulham and Liverpool at Craven Cottage
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
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Cooper is clearly one of those who feels the 17-year-old deserves to be playing more, taking to Instagram to pin his colours to the mast.
Posting on his Instagram Stories late on Wednesday, the actor shared a photo of Ngumoha celebrating his Premier League goal against Newcastle in August with the hashtag ‘Free Rio’ in big, bold lettering.
While Slot is unlikely to take advice from someone even younger than the Liverpool talent, the pressure is mounting on him to use Ngumoha more often.
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Marc Guehi pictured at the Emirates Stadium ahead of Crystal Palace's Carabao Cup quarter-final against Arsenal
Credit: Molly Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
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Is Ngumoha set for bigger Liverpool role?
With Gakpo short of form and fitness, Mohamed Salah away at the Africa Cup of Nations and Alexander Isak injured for some time, fans had expected Ngumoha to assume a bigger role in Liverpool’s attack this winter.
However, the fact that he is still only making cameo appearances here and there has confused many onlookers.
As Slot has been quick to assert at every opportunity, though, Ngumoha is still so young. Throwing him in more regularly could have a negative effect, especially with Liverpool playing so poorly.
Slot has shown that he will not bow to pressure from the outside on any matter to do with his reign at Anfield. The Dutchman is firm in his beliefs and will not change them if he does not think it is the right thing to do.
As a result, Cooper and his famous friends can post whatever they like, it is unlikely to make any difference at all.
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