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Rio Ngumoha## Rio Ngumoha played on the right wing as Liverpool took on Wrexham in pre-season, with Andoni Iraola a fan of forwards who can be deployed on both sides of the attack
03:57, 30 Jul 2026
Rio Ngumoha dribbles with the ball during Liverpool vs Wrexham in New York.
Rio Ngumoha dribbles with the ball during Liverpool vs Wrexham in New York.(Image: Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
Rio Ngumoha says he is more than happy to play in any position for Liverpool after Andoni Iraola switched him to the right flank during the pre-season win over Wrexham.
The 17-year-old former Chelsea talent has mainly played on the left for Liverpool to date, but Ngumoha was used on the opposite side by Thomas Tuchel as he got an England chance before the World Cup.
With Bradley Barcola being targeted — another winger who can operate on both sides — and Iraola having a history of mixing things up with the likes of Antoine Semenyo, it could be a hint of the future at Anfield.
"Any position. Right wing, left wing, I just try my best, especially on the ball, just to beat my man as much as I can," Ngumoha told ESPN after netting the winner against Wrexham.
"Today was a bit rusty but the more and more I keep learning, training and games, I’ll definitely improve. To be adaptable is a skill I need, definitely."
Ngumoha was, strangely, one of the more senior players on the field in the second half. The likes of Luke Chambers and Ifeanyi Ndukwe impressed, but Liverpool is still lacking some of its most experienced stars.
Rio Ngumoha scored a fortunate goal to open the scoring against Wrexham.
Rio Ngumoha scored a fortunate goal to open the scoring against Wrexham.(Image: 2026 Liverpool FC)
Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Ryan Gravenberch are set to play a part against Leeds at the weekend, while Jeremy Jacquet could as well after injury.
But Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo will only rejoin their teammates when they return to the UK. The Dutch duo are doing work at the AXA Training Centre this week rather than heading on tour.
"Training’s been tough," Ngumoha added. "It’s been so intense but it’s really helping.
"It’s very different but I think the more and more we train and the more and more we just put the work in, I think it’ll be a very good season.
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"I think last season was really important for me. Obviously team performances weren’t great, which we know, but I think being in that environment where the team’s not doing well, it can help me.
"When we’re doing well, I can keep learning and improving. But last year was very good for me."
Liverpool.com says: Ngumoha will get more minutes next season compared to the last one, but he shouldn't be overly relied on. That would be a mistake in the long run.
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The Reds need to ensure that they have enough options so that they can pick and choose his minutes carefully.
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Rio Ngumoha
Andoni Iraola