Rio Ngumoha wows senior stars as Liverpool loan stance revealed
Liverpool youngster Rio Ngumoha has gained a huge amount of supporters in the last few weeks.
Ngumoha left fans and Arne Slot stunned in the 3-1 friendly win over Preston (13 July), as the 16-year-old left-winger constantly harassed the Championship outfit’s defence.
Footage emerged of him dribbling past first-team stars Jeremie Frimpong and Ryan Gravenberch in a training session, sending the hype into overdrive.
Then, in the 3-1 victory over Yokohama F. Marinos (30 July), he capped his remarkable rise with a stunning dribble and finish to seal the result after fellow academy star Trey Nyoni had already scored.
Ngumoha to remain at Liverpool for the upcoming campaign
Slot may have had a dilemma on his hands when it comes to the former Chelsea youth ace, whether to loan him out or keep him around this season.
However, a report from The Athletic (31 July) claims that Ngumoha will not be sent on loan and may be utilised from the bench next season.
It states that he has “endeared himself” to the senior squad with how he applies himself, his talent and his attitude on the pre-season tour of Asia.
Liverpool cannot run Ngumoha into the ground
Obviously, he is an immense talent, but the Anfield outfit must be careful not to put too much responsibility on Ngumoha’s shoulders at such a young age.
The likes of Michael Owen, Ledley King and Jack Wilshere suffered later in their careers after being utilised so much when they broke through into the senior set-up.
- Ngumoha has made one senior appearance at this point, in the 4-0 win over Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup last season.
His minutes should be managed carefully, and he should be given a chance to run against tired defenders in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, rather than being Luis Diaz’s immediate replacement.
A back-up role behind Cody Gakpo while he develops both technically and physically is the ideal outcome, but it is telling that the Reds want to keep him rather than loan him out to the Championship or a lower division to gain experience.
Slot and Co must really rate him, if they are not willing to enter the market to replace the Colombian and trust Ngumoha to feature at the elite level.
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