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Rio Ferdinand has issued a positive verdict on Rio Ngumoha’s development at Liverpool.
The former Manchester United captain has been keeping an eye on the young winger since his time playing in Chelsea’s academy, but after watching him against Wolves on Friday night, Ferdinand said he noticed a major improvement in one key aspect of his game:
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“I watched Rio when he was at Chelsea playing against one of my boys. He ain’t doing a lot differently. What’s definitely, definitely changed is his decision-making.”
“When he releases the ball in the final third, trying to impact the game in different ways rather than just dribbling, dribbling, dribbling.”
“That’s all he was as a kid. But you saw a star there somewhere, a rough diamond, and he just looks magic.”
Good decision-making is key for every winger
There are many forwards who can dribble the ball into the box. It is what they do next that defines whether they are an average player or a great one.
If you consistently make the right decision in the final third, you will score goals and create chances for others.
The fact that Ferdinand has noticed an improvement in this area of Ngumoha’s game really bodes well for the future. Buy a Liverpool shirt from Fanatics UK here.
Liverpool have to manage Ngumoha’s minutes
Some fans have been calling on head coach Arne Slot to start the 17-year-old in every game, but the club are mindful of past mistakes.
It is believed injuries sustained to the likes of Stefan Bajcetic, Jayden Danns and Calvin Ramsay have been caused by asking them to do too much too quickly.
Considering Ngumoha’s potential, the Reds are being cautious. He will continue to get more game time between now and the end of the season, but supporters will have to be patient.
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