Rio Ngumoha 'to hurt' Premier League defences after Liverpool decision made
Rio Ngumoha looks set to stick around at Liverpool this season.
Ngumoha was the star of the Reds' pre-season tour of Asia, and it seems like he will be a part of Arne Slot's squad for the new campaign.
The Anfield outfit have not brought in a replacement for Luis Diaz, who left for Bayern Munich after three-and-a-half years on Merseyside, which bodes well for the youngster.
The former Chelsea academy starlet may be handed the reins to forge a role in the first-team set up and establish himself as a genuine star.
Ngumoha decision made at Liverpool
Ngumoha will not leave Liverpool on loan this season.
Former Manchester United and Manchester City midfielder Owen Hargreaves has predicted the Reds gem to be the breakout star of the 2025/26 campaign, if he does indeed stay put.
Speaking on TNT Sports' Premier League Preview (8 August), Hargreaves said: “I know he just started playing for the first team, he’s only 16, I think he’s 17 this week, Rio [Ngumoha].
“Honestly, he is going to hurt some people this season. He scored a goal the other day, and Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah were on the bench like (clapping).
“I think in terms of breakout, you couldn’t get more breakout than that.”
Liverpool future is bright for Ngumoha
Ngumoha is the most promising youngster to emerge from the Reds' set-up in the last few years.
The fact that he has adapted to senior football so easily suggests that he can step up in the Premier League when needed.
However, he must not be overutilised, as fans have seen the likes of Michael Owen and Jack Wilshere suffer constant injuries after being thrust into the limelight consistently at a young age.
- Ngumoha notched three goals and one assist in Liverpool's pre-season campaign.
His minutes need to be managed very carefully; he should come on late against tired defences in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League to avoid injury issues that come with growth.
The back-up role behind Cody Gakpo is perfect, while he develops both technically and physically, before stepping into a starting berth eventually when he is ready.
Slot must really rate him though if he is willing to hand him a decent role in the senior squad at such a young age.
He could have been sent to the Championship or lower to gain valuable experience, but instead, he is staying in L4 to mix it up with the likes of Salah and van Dijk.
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