Rio Ngumoha is the subject of the biggest selection debate facing Liverpool ahead of their Champions League showdown at Anfield.
Liverpool go into the second leg needing something special after falling 2-0 behind in Paris, and that has led to plenty of calls for Slot to take a risk with the teenager.
Ngumoha has injected life into Liverpool’s attack whenever he has been trusted in recent weeks, and his goal against Fulham only added to the feeling that he could be useful against PSG. Ally McCoist is certainly in that camp, with the pundit making it clear he would throw Ngumoha in from the start.
No Rio… Is this the strongest XI Slot can put out? 🤔
Liverpool vs PSG predicted XI
Liverpool vs PSG predicted XI
Ally McCoist explains why Rio Ngumoha has to start vs PSG
Ngumoha’s performance against Fulham did his chances no harm. The youngster was bright, fearless and decisive, and he capped his display with a goal that underlined just how quickly he is growing into senior football.
Liverpool do not just need energy against PSG, they need players willing to commit defenders and change the rhythm of the tie. Ngumoha has shown that already, and there is a growing sense that Slot may need that kind of bravery from the first whistle.
McCoist made exactly that point while previewing the Champions League action on talkSPORT.
On the question of whether Ngumoha should start, he said: “Yeah, I think I would. Yeah, I really would. Because it’d be hypocritical of me not to say that because I think he should be getting more game time.
Rio Ngumoha scores for Liverpool v Fulham - Premier League
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“I like him. I really enjoyed his performance at Wolves. When I saw him I thought he’s really direct, commits people, takes people on.”
Liverpool cannot approach this game cautiously. PSG are already 2-0 up, so there is little value in playing within themselves and hoping the night somehow turns. They have to throw the kitchen sink at the French side, and a direct winger who is willing to run at defenders fits that plan.
Liverpool need one of their great Anfield nights against PSG
McCoist also made it clear just how difficult the task is for Liverpool. PSG arrive at Anfield with a two-goal advantage and with the look of a side peaking at exactly the right time.
He said: “It’s going to take, honestly Jeff, tonight, it’s going to take one of the great performances from Liverpool I feel tonight for them to go through, if they’ve got an opportunity to go through.
“Because you look at that PSG side and that final last year is one of the greatest performances I’ve seen in a major final and they look again to me as if they’re just hitting form at the right time.”
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Jeremie Frimpong takes throw-in for Liverpool in front of Arne Slot
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That feels like a fair reading of the tie. Liverpool were second best in the first leg and now have to find another level. Slot needs goals, intensity and a front line that can force mistakes.
That is why the Ngumoha argument is so convincing. He is young, and starting him in a game of this size would be a huge call, but Liverpool are well beyond the point of playing safe. They need unpredictability, and attackers who can make PSG uncomfortable.
It will be a massive challenge, there is no doubt about that. But if Liverpool are going to try to pull off something dramatic, Anfield remains the perfect place to attempt it.
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