Rio Ngumoha has already made his feelings clear on switching to the right wing for Liverpool, with Andoni Iraola needing more options who can play on that side as well as the left
Rio Ngumoha during the friendly between Liverpool and Como.
Rio Ngumoha during the friendly between Liverpool and Como.(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside via Getty Images)
Regardless of whether Liverpool brings in another forward before the transfer deadline, with Bradley Barcola the primary target, Andoni Iraola will only have the players he has right now to select at Newcastle this weekend.
When the new Premier League season kicks off, even if an agreement for Barcola arrives imminently, the French winger will not be featuring at St James' Park. Instead, it will be down to those who have been in for pre-season so far — and who are fit and available — to do the business in the North East.
That could mean Rio Ngumoha playing off the right, with Cody Gakpo down the left. Florian Wirtz will be the number 10, with Alexander Isak starting against his old side.
Victor Munoz, who almost signed for Newcastle before Liverpool swooped in, looked lively when he played against Como last weekend, but he would appear to be better as a substitute at this stage.
At the start of the summer, Ngumoha played on the right for England, and he has been deployed there a few times during pre-season too.
"All the coaching staff are just telling me to play my normal game really, whether that’s going inside or outside," Ngumoha said a few weeks ago during the US tour.
Young Liverpool duo Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha.
Young Liverpool duo Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha.(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside via Getty Images)
"I've been working on it in training anyway, playing on the right and the left. Just being unpredictable really. On from the end of last season, I just want to play and start as many games as I can.
"These games are a really good showcase to show the manager, because it’s a fresh start for everyone. It’s really important and it’s good.
"All the lads are treating me like I’m a professional player. Obviously, I’m still young and I’m learning, but all the players have been top. It has been good."
Ngumoha impressed during pre-season and will sign a long-term contract when he turns 18 later this month.
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"Yeah, definitely," Ngumoha added when specifically asked about switching flanks. "I think being unpredictable off both sides is key.
"Obviously, everyone knows I can play on the left, but on the right I feel like I’m improving and I’m getting better. "So, yeah, definitely off the left and the right this season."
Liverpool.com says: Ngumoha is better off the left, but there is no reason that he can't be versatile. It will help make him a more rounded player in the long run.
More importantly, Liverpool needs more options in attacking areas to ensure that Ngumoha is not overplayed. His game time will increase compared to last year, but he shouldn't be starting every single week.