Rio Ngumoha is eyeing another potential start for Liverpool against Brighton, following an impressive performances for the Reds against Villarreal in the Champions League
Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool applauds the fans after the team's victory in the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD3 match between Liverpool FC and Villarreal CF
Rio Ngumoha is eyeing a potential start for Liverpool against Brighton at the weekend(Image: (Photo by Lewis Storey - Danehouse/Getty Images))
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has given a cryptic answer when asked whether Rio Ngumoha could start for the Reds against Brighton, as the youngster continues to impress.
The 18-year-old has been in the spotlight over the past week, particularly for his display against Villarreal in the Champions League at Anfield. The youngster was positive throughout the match, looking to take on the defenders, and he got two assists for his troubles along with a quality performance.
That has naturally led to discussions over Ngumoha's place in the starting lineup, with the weekend offering another chance for the forward to start, be that on the left or right flank.
With Victor Munoz likely to miss the game against Brighton, there is a potential opening on the right, though there is competition from the likes of Bradley Barcola and Cody Gakpo for places in the side.
Iraola was quizzed about Ngumoha and a potential start at Anfield on Sunday, and gave a rather cryptic answer regarding the opportunity available to him.
The Liverpool manager told the press: "Not with Rio, with everyone, it's about feeling how they are. We change the team because we play every three, four days. Sometimes players are tired and have to decide if they need more rest or we use more fresh legs. It will be the same in the coming games, we continue."
He was then asked if Ngumoha may need to be managed due to possible tiredness, with plenty of caution needed for a player at such an early stage of their career. He added: "I think overall the players are answering the questions well. No, Rio is not tired. I want them [to be tired by the end] for all the games.
"But also in the forward positions, normally I sub the wingers and strikers, most of the time they don't finish the game, so it's about giving all you have. Most of the time we change those positions."
Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha vies for possession with Villarreal's Alberto Moleiro during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD3 match.
Rio Ngumoha was a standout player for Liverpool vs Villarreal. (Image: Richard Martin-Roberts - CameraSport via Getty Images)
With another potential start on the cards, there has been plenty of praise for the way that Ngumoha has continued to take steps forward in his career so far. With his ability to play on the right now, as well as the left, he has brought some versatility to the squad as well as an unpredictability that has been missing from the Liverpool frontline in the past season.
While that can naturally impact players, Iraola has called on the winger to keep focused on his performances and to block out the outside noise, both positive and negative.
"I think every player has to focus on performances, improve what they can," Iraola claimed. "The outside noise affects, but we have to try and not be, do your job, improve what you can and don't be too affected by what you hear, praise or criticism. That is the most important thing in the end."
Ngumoha has shown little sign of things impacting him so far, standing up to the occasion with the type of freshness that a youngster can inject into the team.
While it remains to be seen exactly how the coming months and years will pan out for the forward, with the expectations likely to rise over time, the focus will simply be on the next game he can impact.