Rio Ngumoha to start in Liverpool vs Southampton as new Anfield plan emerges
Rio Ngumoha has been the name on everyone’s lips at Liverpool recently.
Ngumoha has enjoyed a remarkable rise into the Liverpool team after signing from Chelsea’s academy in 2024.
Ngumoha scored a last-gasp winner in Liverpool’s 3-2 win over Newcastle in August and has been brought on several times by Arne Slot, when the Reds needed a goal.
He was unfortunate not to bag an assist in the 1-0 win over Burnley after an exquisite pass to Jeremie Frimpong.
Liverpool News presents the exclusive opinion of Sports Scientist and Doctor of Physical Therapy Rajpal Brar.
Rio Ngumoha set to start in Liverpool vs Southampton
Ngumoha became Liverpool’s youngest ever Champions League debutant when he came on in the 3-2 victory against Atletico Madrid.
He was then left on the bench against Everton, as the Premier League champions beat their local rivals 2-1 in a tense Anfield clash.
However, Dr Brar is not surprised by that and feels it is part of the plan to get him ready for the physicality and rigour of the elite game.
The renowned medical expert thinks Ngumoha should start the Carabao Cup game with Southampton on 23 September.
Speaking exclusively to Liverpool News, he said: “It will be an adaptation period for the youngster, and you can see that with how Slot has been using him as a late impact sub, which allows him to gradually get used to the Premier League intensity.
“As cup games come along, you might see him get more minutes in the starting XI, but they will be very methodical with his minutes and build up.”
Ngumoha has started the season in great form, with three games played, one goal, and six touches in the opposition box, per Sofascore.
Liverpool plan for Ngumoha makes sense
Reds fans may want to see more of the 17-year-old, but it is the perfect plan to ease him into the top level of the game, so he does not get injured.
As Dr Brar states, the Merseysiders will not throw him into the deep end, and they will be careful with his development, likely starting him in cup games, like the clash with the Saints.
We have seen the likes of Michael Owen, Jonathan Woodgate and Jack Wilshere all be rushed into first-team action when they were young, and regret it later on in their careers.
The Reds want Ngumoha to be a star throughout his time in L4, not just in a short burst as he breaks out of the academy.
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