Rio Ngumoha turned things around against Tottenham after not making "his best start," according to Andoni Iraola, who has commented on the Liverpool star's development
Andoni Iraola questioned how Rio Ngumoha started Liverpool's last game, but was left impressed
Andoni Iraola questioned how Rio Ngumoha started Liverpool's last game, but was left impressed(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola admitted that Rio Ngumoha made a poor start against Tottenham Hotspur in the EFL Cup, but credited him with the ability to bounce back and be extremely impactful.
Iraola faced the media on Friday ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash against Bournemouth, as the head coach returns to his former club for the first time. Friday also saw Thomas Tuchel announce his next England national team squad, with Ngumoha included for the first time.
Ngumoha played 71 minutes for Liverpool during its 3-1 win over Tottenham in midweek, and looked dangerous in attack after helping to create Alexis Mac Allister's opening goal. That impressed Iraola, who insisted that Ngumoha is still learning his craft despite the England call-up.
Speaking during Friday's press conference, Iraola singled out Ngumoha, who was very much the topic of discussion. "I think the other day versus Spurs, Rio didn't have his best start, but I like how he came back from that," Iraola said.
"Lost duels, Udogie is a strong player, but Rio did his job. The first goal comes from him, one-on-one.
"He is part of that build-up for the goal, and that is what we are trying to put into him. He is still learning the league, only 18, but he has the quality. We are happy also because they called him for England too."
Iraola is delighted that Ngumoha made the England squad
Iraola is delighted that Ngumoha made the England squad(Image: (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images))
Although Iraola admitted that Ngumoha made a slow start, he was even more impressed that he turned it around. During the 3-1 win over Spurs, Ngumoha was seen chatting with fellow Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo, with the players appearing to discuss a potential switch of sides.
Iraola made it clear that he wants wingers to feel comfortable on both sides and said, "In the case of our wingers, we have these moments where they change sides. If something isn't working or we can damage the opponents.
"Spurs changed full-backs, so you have to adjust to that. I think it is good they are communicating, I don't mind this. They can say to me maybe they should change, sometimes we will, sometimes not.
"Wingers can play both sides. "It's going to be a tricky game, they know very well what we try to do without the ball. I know their strengths and weaknesses (Bournemouth). In this case, it will be strange for me."
Ngumoha is enjoying an elevated role this season
Ngumoha is enjoying an elevated role this season(Image: (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images))
Bournemouth is still performing in the absence of Iraola and just celebrated its first Europa League win over Real Sociedad. However, they played two days after Liverpool, allowing the visitors an extra two days of rest.
Still, another promising England talent made the national team squad, with Bournemouth's Alex Scott receiving a call-up. Scott and Ngumoha will represent England in September and October.
"Very happy, both (Alex Scott) deserve it, they helped the national team before the World Cup and did a good job. I can only speak so well about both, deserved, they are ready," Iraola said.