Rio Ngumoha’s performance against Wolves has been a feature of the post-match discussion, and Stephen Warnock reckons it puts the manager in a difficult position.
Liverpool dealt with this FA Cup tie exactly how you would have wanted after Tuesday’s collapse.
Ngumoha was a standout performer for Liverpool, after the constant pleas for him to be given a chance as a starter.
Who was YOUR Man of the Match in Liverpool’s win over Wolves? 😁
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammate Dominik Szoboszlai and Andrew Robertson during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
He grabbed it with both hands, and now Arne Slot has even more cause to question who starts on the left in his team. Warnock spells it out.
Stephen Warnock on what Rio Ngumoha masterclass means for Arne Slot
He may be only 17, but Ngumoha’s talent is ridiculous — the pace, the dribbling, the unwavering confidence.
Slot thinks Ngumoha has room to improve, but he’s already performing to the level, or above the level of Cody Gakpo.
Now, Warnock thinks it’s time for a decision.
He told BBC Sport after the game: “Rio Ngumoha had a brilliant display tonight. It was a big opportunity for him, and he has taken it with both hands. He has given his manager, Arne Slot, a big decision.”
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That decision is whether to start the starlet more as we enter the final weeks of the season.
Liverpool fans…sum up Rio Nguhoma’s performance at Wolves in THREE words
Rio Ngumoha after Wolverhampton Wanderers v Liverpool - Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round
Photo by Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
I can’t see any reason not to at least balance out the minutes between him and Gakpo. He didn’t look out of his depth playing the majority of this game.
Of course, you don’t want to risk overworking him at such a young age, but as the old adage goes; If you’re good enough, you’re old enough.
Rio Ngumoha stats vs Wolves
It’s not like Ngumoha just came in and did a job — he has a case for best player on the pitch during this FA Cup clash.
In 70 minutes, he racked up quite the impressive stat sheet.
Passing accuracy 91%
Touches in opp. box 9 (1st)
Ground duels won 6 (1st)
Successful dribbles 3 (1st)
Fouls won 3 (1st)
Chances created 1
Quite unbelievable from the teenager. If this doesn’t make Slot think twice about his role, nothing will.
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