Slot has Diaz replacement already as Ngumoha stuns for Liverpool v AC Milan
Liverpool look to have a gem on their hands in 16-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha.
Following the absence of Luis Diaz from Arne Slot’s squad as Liverpool took on AC Milan in pre-season, the left-wing position is seemingly up for grabs next season.
With the Colombian possibly closing in on a move to Germany with Bayern Munich, Rodrygo from Real Madrid has been touted as a potential replacement for Liverpool.
Alternatively, Florian Wirtz could operate off the left wing, but if Slot opts to deploy him in midfield, Ngumoha could find himself in and around the first team next season.
Ngumoha was fantastic against AC Milan in Hong Kong
Liverpool’s first game of their Asia tour came against AC Milan in Hong Kong on Saturday, ending in a disappointing 2-4 defeat.
Ngumoha started the fixture and quickly left supporters stunned with his first-half performance.
The 16-year-old created the most chances, won the most duels and completed the most dribbles in the first half, via Ben Bocsak on X (26 July).
On top of this, he also managed to secure an assist, and in a game featuring numerous household names, Ngumoha stood out as one of the best players on the pitch.
| Rio Ngumoha | Stats vs AC Milan |
| Chances created | 2 |
| Duels won | 4 |
| Dribbles completed | 3 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Touches | 21 |
| Shots on target | 1 |
Supporters were quick to praise the talented youngster on social media, with some feeling that Slot already has a replacement for Diaz on his hands, and Ngumoha should be allowed to prove himself in the Premier League next season.
New winger still needed at Anfield
Despite the teenager impressing in Asia, Liverpool still need to reinforce their forward line.
Federico Chiesa is another winger linked with a move away from Anfield, and replacements will be needed.
With Hugo Ekitike recently signing for the Reds, they cannot afford to gamble that a 16-year-old Ngumoha will be able to provide quality service for their new striker regularly.
Giving Ngumoha minutes in the cup competitions or potentially loaning the winger out seem like more sensible suggestions that could continue to aid his development.
More established players such as Rodrygo would be needed to fill the void in Slot’s squad if Chiesa and Diaz were to both leave, as Liverpool attempt to retain the Premier League title.
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