Rio Ngumoha has struggled on the right-hand side recently for Liverpool, but he came to life again down the left when Victor Munoz switched flanks against Nottingham Forest
Rio Ngumoha during Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Rio Ngumoha during Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
The remainder of this transfer window is set to be defined by wingers for Liverpool. At least one will come in, while Cody Gakpo might yet leave.
Heading into the summer, everyone knew that the Reds were in need of reinforcements out wide, and while Victor Munoz was very lively against Nottingham Forest this weekend, scoring his first goal in front of The Kop, he alone isn't going to be anywhere near enough — hence why Bradley Barcola is coming, and others should follow.
One surprise story this summer was Bayern Munich making a cheeky attempt to sign Rio Ngumoha. Clearly, Liverpool was never going to entertain such an exit.
Instead, the pathway for Ngumoha to get more regular minutes continues to be forged. There is the usual caveat that he shouldn't be overplayed, but his role this season was always going to grow.
Quite rightly, Arne Slot was very careful with the games that Ngumoha got last term. At 17, his legs needed to be managed, and he should not have been pressured into being the savior in a torrid campaign.
Under Andoni Iraola, though, even though Slot would have done the same, Ngumoha, who turned 18 over the weekend, can expect more of a chance in the months to come. His role is going to grow.
Rio Ngumoha during Liverpool vs AS Monaco.
Rio Ngumoha during Liverpool vs AS Monaco.(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
"I definitely want to help the team out with goals and assists, but also my defensive actions as well," Ngumoha said back in July, recognizing the need to evolve as a player.
"I've got to improve in both of them, but also just try to implement myself as a starter sometimes.
"Coming off the bench as well, obviously we have so many top players, we’re all competing for places. But it’s healthy competition.
"I just want to try to help the team as much as I can, really. Obviously, everyone knows I can play on the left, but on the right I feel like I’m improving and I’m getting better."
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If Barcola arrives and Cody Gakpo leaves — a possibility before the transfer deadline — then that would leave Ngumoha as the back-up option down the left flank.
Munoz and another signing for the right wing could operate on the opposite flank, though each of the four would be capable of filling in on both sides if required.
In that scenario, there would still be a question mark over the cover for Alexander Isak, given Hugo Ekitike is still set to be sidelined for some time yet, but the wide options at least would look very strong.
Ngumoha is very much going to be a part of that contingent, whether it is most often from the start or off the bench. Liverpool's patience with him and his continued development will pay off.