Rio Ngumoha has declared himself available for every Liverpool game at any level, with the young winger aware a lack of minutes could see him “stagnate.”
After Ngumoha’s game-changing cameo in the 1-0 victory at Nottingham Forest on Sunday there are increased calls for first-team starts.
Speaking in the mixed zone after that game, in what is his first interview with the written press, Ngumoha explained his outlook on a limited role this season.
“I feel like if you are not playing as much then you can stagnate, so I want to gain more minutes,” he told reporters including BBC Sport‘s Aadam Patel.
Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool breaks with the ball during the Premier League match Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool at City Ground, Nottingham, United Kingdom on 22 February 2026 (Photo by Alfie Cosgrove/News Images)
“Whether that is U18s or 21s – I am still so young – so I am available to play, so any games I can play, I will.”
“The manager is very important to me and he helps me a lot,” he continued per the Mail‘s Lewis Steele.
“We might have a meeting after training, he tells me how well I am doing, saying ‘keep going’, showing me clips. All that is important and helpful.”
What Rio Ngumoha said about not starting for Liverpool
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - New Year's Day, Thursday, January 1, 2026: Liverpool substitute Rio Ngumoha on the bench before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United FC at Anfield. The game ended in a goal-less draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Ngumoha has made the matchday squad in all but one first-team fixture so far this season – but he has only played 375 minutes for Arne Slot‘s side.
The majority of those have come in the domestic cups, while the 17-year-old has played a further 114 minutes for the U21s, most recently scoring in a 4-3 win over West Brom on February 15.
Ngumoha was asked whether his aim was to play a bigger role for the first team between now and the end of the season, and – in quotes via The Athletic‘s Gregg Evans – said: “Yeah, hopefully soon.
“I just need to keep pushing and keep gaining the manager’s trust and hopefully that leads to more minutes.”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, January 20, 2026: Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Rio Ngumoha (R) during a training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between Olympique de Marseille and Liverpool FC. (Photo by Jessica Hornby/Propaganda)
The teenage winger added: “I think it has gone really well. I am learning a lot every day and playing with and training with some of the best players in the world.
“I can’t ask for much more as a young kid. So I just think I need to carry on proving, working hard in training and showing what I can do to the manager.
“I just try to help the team. It’s all I can do, just put balls into the box whenever the manager needs me.”
Clearly the timing of Liverpool’s first-team fixtures makes pulling double duty difficult, though this weekend could provide an opportunity as the senior side play West Ham at home on Saturday before the U21s host Tottenham on Sunday.
But Ngumoha himself believes game time would be beneficial and the hope is that his careful management pays off in the coming years.
The Big Debate
Should Rio Ngumoha be more than just an impact sub?
At just 17, Rio Ngumoha has already played more Premier League minutes than any other player his age this season. His recent 13-minute cameo at Nottingham Forest completely transformed the match, with Jamie Carragher insisting the winger “needs to be starting games” given the lack of pace and penetration in wide areas.
Have your say: Is it time to trust Ngumoha with Premier League starts, or is Slot right to keep his usage in check for the long term? Let us know in the comments!