Rio Ngumoha has been one of the recent standout performers for Liverpool but it could be tricky for Arne Slot to start the youngster more often
Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool and Arne Slot manager / head coach of Liverpool as he comes off during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool
Rio Ngumoha has played his way into contention at Liverpool under Arne Slot(Image: Getty)
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Rio Ngumoha's rise has been one of the most thrilling aspects of the season for Liverpool fans. And Arne Slot has a decision to make regarding starting the teenager.
Since his switch from Chelsea's academy, the young winger has generated considerable buzz. He made his Premier League bow last August and celebrated it with a winning goal against Newcastle. The 17-year-old has become a regular fixture on Slot's bench, but in recent weeks he has truly begun to flourish.
Ngumoha's brief appearance at the conclusion of a disappointing 2-1 loss to Wolves on Tuesday was so impressive that Reds legend Steven Gerrard heaped praise on him and urged manager Slot to start him in the next match.
Gerrard told TNT Sports: "[Slot] has to start Ngumoha now. He has to start him because he's coming on and he's doing more in a short cameo in a short space of time than [Cody] Gakpo's doing in 65, 70 minutes. He deserves to start now."
Slot accepted the request and the youngster was named in the starting XI on the left wing for the FA Cup rematch against Wolves on Friday. Ngumoha delivered. The teenager was awarded Player of the Match accolades for a dynamic display in the 3-1 triumph, during which he topped the team in successful dribbles and duels won.
Rio Ngumoha running past defenders in a Liverpool game
The Liverpool teenager has been a revelation out wide(Image: Getty)
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In his recent substitute appearances, Ngumoha has featured on the left flank, frequently alongside Cody Gakpo, Slot's preferred choice in that position, who has either been withdrawn or moved centrally.
The most straightforward adjustment Slot could implement would be to omit Gakpo, but the Dutchman confronts another headache when Alexander Isak returns from his extended injury lay-off.
Prior to his fitness setback, much of the Liverpool team selection debate centred on whether Hugo Ekitike and Isak would both feature regularly in the starting XI. They commanded fees of £79million and £125million respectively, so it's anticipated Slot will want both on the field as frequently as possible.
Throughout Isak's absence, Ekitike has been indispensable and this will probably continue when the Swede makes his comeback. If both feature, Slot tends to deploy Ekitike on the left, where he functions as a wide second striker.
Hugo Ekitike comes on as a substitute to replace Alexander Isak of Liverpool during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atletico de Madrid
Ekitike and Isak could end up playing together(Image: Getty)
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This congestion will only intensify Slot's conundrum regarding Ngumoha, as it's improbable he'd choose to replace either Isak or Ekitike with the young Englishman, let alone the considerably more seasoned Gakpo.
Another avenue the Reds manager could explore is repositioning Ngumoha out to the right. He is right-footed, though much of his dazzling dribbling and superb inverted wide play depend on him cutting inside from the left.
However, he is adept at playing in that position and with Mohamed Salah approaching the latter stages of his career, this could be where Ngumoha truly establishes himself as a first-team regular. A forward trio of Ekitike, Isak and Ngumoha, supported by the creative prowess of Florian Wirtz, could form a potent attacking force for Slot, who is undoubtedly spoilt for choice.
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