Rio Ngumoha was the star in Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest despite being on the pitch for less than 20 minutes.
The game looked well on its way to a stalemate before Ngumoha’s introduction boosted Liverpool.
He was instrumental in the disallowed goal that shifted momentum in favour of the visitors, and was more productive in his brief cameo than either Mo Salah or Cody Gakpo in a far longer stint.
The biggest takeaway from his performance was how comfortable he looked on both flanks.
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Rio Ngumoha and Cody Gakpo
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
It gives Arne Slot yet another reason to change his tune with the 17-year-old.
Rio Ngumoha strengthens his case to start for Liverpool
Even if he was limited to the left wing, most fans are at the point where they want to see Ngumoha starting for Liverpool ahead of Gakpo.
But what Sunday’s display proved is that he can just as easily make a case to play on the opposite flank.
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With Salah in his longest Liverpool goal drought, there’s no reason why Slot shouldn’t consider Ngumoha to play ahead of him.
Rio Ngumoha and Arne Slot during FA Cup tie against Barnsley
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images
Salah and Gakpo have done so much for Liverpool, but that doesn’t mean they’re untouchable. We are severely lacking in pace and directness out wide — traits you would certainly associate with the future England star.
Convincing the coach is another matter, but Ngumoha is doing everything he can to prove to Slot that he is ready for a bigger role.
Jeremie Frimpong’s return could be huge
The electric, direct approach that we love from Ngumoha is something Jeremie Frimpong is also elite at.
In games like the one against Forest, you sometimes need that injection of energy out on the flanks to try and disrupt compact defensive blocks.
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Before Frimpong went down with an injury, he was looking like the real deal.
When he comes back, Slot will have plenty of options for the wings. As important as Salah and Gakpo have been, they are certainly at risk of falling down the pecking order if things continue like this.
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