Arne Slot has outlined his plans for Rio Ngumoha following the Liverpool youngster’s 70-minute performance against Barnsley.
The 17-year-old put in another strong showing during Liverpool’s 4-1 win in the FA Cup.
The Dutchman had raised concerns before the match about pushing Ngumoha too hard, and substituting him midway through the second half seemed to back that up.
Still, Slot sees a bigger role ahead for the winger. Speaking to the media after the game, he explained how he intends to ease him into regular first-team football.
Arne Slot hopes to see Rio Ngumoha play a full 90 minutes
Ngumoha has logged just 53 minutes of Premier League action this season.
He featured heavily in both of Liverpool’s early-season League Cup matches, but the 73 minutes he played against Barnsley marked his most extended run since October.
Speaking about Ngumoha’s substitution, Slot explained in his press conference: “I assume and think and expect it’s cramp. So it tells you it tells Rio that I expect that a Premier League game is more intense than this one.”
“It’s very nice for him to again make 70 minutes, but it’s still very hard work to be ready for 90 in the Premier League.”
It will not be an easy task for Ngumoha to reach and maintain that intensity level, but it is exactly what Slot is looking for from the youngster.
The manager added: “It’s already great for him and for Liverpool that everybody is following us that a 17-year-old makes so many minutes in a Liverpool shirt. So let’s hope he can continue and we can bring him further and further towards 90 minutes at Premier League.”
Fans have questioned whether Slot plans to make Ngumoha a regular part of his squad, but recent comments suggest he might be warming up to the idea.
This could be influenced by the club’s decision not to sign another wide player this month. Whatever the reason, we should see more of Ngumoha as the season goes on.
Ngumoha’s role evolves in win over Barnsley
When the changes came around the hour mark, there were a few switches in Liverpool’s attack. Ngumoha shifted to the right wing, with Cody Gakpo slotting in on the left.
While it is worth considering the level of opposition, he did not look out of place, showing he can offer something from either side. It gives Slot another option if injuries hit again and provides the 17-year-old with a different path into the line-up.
Ngumoha is still very early in his Liverpool career, but trusting young players has worked out well for clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal recently. Slot seems more open to giving him those opportunities.
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