Liverpool manager Arne Slot should use “generational talent” Rio Ngumoha more after an impressive cameo in Sunday’s 1-0 Premier League win at Nottingham Forest.

These were the words of Daily Mail Sports Journalist Lewis Steele as Ngumoha proved vital for the Reds after appearing off the bench in the 77th minute for Mohamed Salah.

The 17-year-old is yet to start in the Premier League for Liverpool but has been praised by fans and journalists for his directness in the attack.

This was evident on Sunday as Ngumoha played a huge role in Alexis Mac Allister’s late disallowed goal.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot shakes hands with Rio Ngumoha on his Liverpool debut – Free To Use Under Alamy Licence

The winger took on former Liverpool full back Neco Williams, driving to the by-line before lifting in a lofted cross for Hugo Ekitike.

Ekitike’s header was brilliantly saved by Forest ‘keeper Stefan Ortega before the ball Ola Aina’s clearance crashed back off Mac Allister into the net.

Steele believes Ngumoha deserves more gametime, especially considering the struggles of Salah and Cody Gakpo this season.

Steele said: “I understand why he is not [starting every game], they don’t want to ask too much, too soon of him.

“But the 17-year-old is direct, makes defenders panic and retreat.

“Why not give him a chance?”

Praise from the media

The teenager recently gave his first media interview following Sunday’s win, where the youngster said he wants to make the most of any chances given by Slot.

Ngumoha said: “I know I need to at least do something to try to impact the game, whether that’s on the ball or off the ball.

“That can be putting in a tackle, pressing to win the ball back, putting balls in the box, having shots on target or just beating my man.

“I just think every single time I’m called on for the team, I want to show everyone what I can do really.”

His impact off the bench has been praised by many pundits, with former Reds vice-captain Jamie Carragher leading the calls, praising Ngumoha’s impact in changing the game for Liverpool.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Super Sunday, Carragher said: “He did more in 15 minutes than Gakpo and Salah had done up until that point.

“He absolutely changed the game this kid and he needs more of an opportunity.

“He needs to start more games.”

Former Liverpool striker, Daniel Sturridge, was full of praise for the youngster on social media, also calling for the youngster to start more games after the established professionals struggle for form.

On X, Sturridge said: “Every time I watch Rio Ngumoha, he looks electric.

“Direct, fearless, always trying to affect the game.

“He deserves more minutes.

“Simple as that.”

Liverpool in a season of struggle

The performance of Ngumoha has not overshadowed what was a game Liverpool were second best in for large portions of the game.

Despite winning their last three games in all competitions without conceding a goal, the performances have been underwhelming.

Steele reflected on this, saying: “It’s been a strange period for Liverpool because they are not playing well but getting results.

“The win over Nottingham Forest highlighted that but given Chelsea dropped points the day before, it could end up being a season-defining win. 

“Things can only get better and the mark of all good teams is winning when not at your best.”

Struggles have persisted since September, after seven consecutive wins to open the season, culminating in a 2-1 win over Southampton in the Carabao Cup.

Instability and identity issues persist in Liverpool season of struggle

Since then, the Reds have gained 30 points from 22 league games as they sit sixth in the Premier League table, three points behind rivals Manchester United in fourth.

Problematic Liverpool

Steele believes the issues behind the slump have been hard to distinguish.

Steele said: “It’s a question that I’ve been trying to answer for months and there are clearly a long list of problems.

“The biggest one, if I had to pick, is tactics — teams have worked out how to play against Liverpool and, so far, Arne Slot does not have the answers. ”

Arne Slot in Philadelphia, 2024.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been under-fire as his side have struggled in their title defence. Photo by Joe Schlip, under Wikimedia Creative Commons

For Steele, the problems were pinpointed in October’s 3-2 loss away at Brentford as Liverpool were “bullied” by the hosts.

Steele believes these issues have led to Liverpool failing to react to opponents anticipating the side’s patterns of play.

Steele added: “A team of this calibre should be able to find new ways to win.

“Arne Slot has failed to do that yet.”

Room for optimism

Despite the frequent performance issues, Liverpool’s season is far from over.

The Reds are in the Champions League last-16, into the fifth round of the FA Cup and only three points outside the top four and the Champions League places in the league.

Steele believes the season can turn out a success despite a poor title defence.

Steele said: “It looks completely different to what it did this time six months ago.

“I think an FA Cup win, finishing in the top four (or five, whatever gets Champions League) and going deep (and by that I mean semi-finals minimum) in Europe.”

The Reds prepare to find out their opponents for the Champions League last-16 with the draw on Friday.

(Featured Image free to use under Alamy Licence)

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR