As Liverpool prepares for a new Premier League season, plenty of eyes are on the stars who could improve the team in several areas.
Andoni Iraola manager / head coach of Liverpool during the during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco
Andoni Iraola has been backed to help a Liverpool star breakout in a new position(Image: (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images))
Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has backed Rio Ngumoha to have a breakout season once again with the Reds, but on the right flank instead of the left.
The 17-year-old made his mark last campaign, offering plenty of quality on the left wing as one of the most dangerous options available to Arne Slot.
Ngumoha consistently put defenders on the backfoot as one of the only players who could offer a threat with pace and trickery in the forward line. The youngster put together 29 appearances across the entire campaign, scoring two goals and assisting once across the season to make an impact in some important matches.
There is some hope that, in his second full season around the senior team, he can turn some of that promising play into consistent output at the top end of the pitch, which could take him to the next level.
Some of that is likely to come on the right wing, rather than the left where he featured last season, with the composition of the roster set to give him an opportunity to shine on the opposite flank.
With Liverpool in talks to sign Bradley Barcola, there would be competition from him and Cody Gakpo on the left, while the right currently has Federico Chiesa and Victor Munoz likely to feature there.
Ngumoha has featured for much of preseason on the right, which would be a new opportunity for him to shine, with former defender Johnson backing him to impress.
Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool looks on after the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como Calcio
Rio Ngumoha is set for a new role at Liverpool this season(Image: (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images))
Speaking to SeatPin, he said: "If Cody Gakpo leaves the club, then that would be a great opportunity for Rio Ngumoha to become a first-team regular this season.
"He was knocking on the door last season, regardless of who was playing, and now they have fewer options to choose from. I know he generally operates from the left, but if he could play on the right-hand side, then I think he will get plenty of game time.
“I can’t imagine switching wings being a big problem for such a young player with limitless talent. He’s still learning the game and getting out of his comfort zone could improve his game even further.
"Rio looked unstoppable at times last season, he put in some incredible performances, and I think his game time will only improve this year. I think this could be his breakout season.”
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Ngumoha is in line to feature on the right for Liverpool against Newcastle United in the opening match of the new Premier League season, offering the chance to hit the ground running for the youngster.
With this campaign set to be the biggest one yet for the 17-year-old, he could make a lasting impression and set himself up for a successful spell at Anfield.