Arne Slot has just hinted what's about to happen with Rio Ngumoha and Liverpool fans may not like it - opinion
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Liverpool have many talented youngsters at their disposal but none are more exciting than Rio Ngumoha.
The Reds have recruited smartly this summer and although they have spent a lot of money, almost £300m to be precise, it has been used on positions in desperate need of reinforcements.
Despite this, their attack still feels a little light, mainly due to the fact they have sold Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, as well as lost Diogo Jota following his tragic death.
They still have a few players they can call upon and also have some very exciting youngsters, with 16-year-old Ngumoha the pick of the bunch.
Despite his age, he has not looked out of place one bit and after impressing in pre-season, many fans thought that he would get a chance to shine this season.
Although that could still be the case, what Arne Slot has just said about his attacking options would suggest that Ngumoha is not even in his plans.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Liverpool have been known for their free-flowing, attacking football ever since Jurgen Klopp took over in 2015, with Slot continuing with a similar philosophy ever since.
The options they have had in the forward line in the past have been nothing short of sensational, although this season is a little different.
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Question marks have been raised about whether the Reds need more depth in attack as they aim to defend their title, with Ngumoha, for example, the only natural left-winger who can fill in for Cody Gakpo when needed.
Despite this, Slot seemed confident he had enough options, but rather bizarrely, he failed to mention Ngumoha as one of them.
“It depends how you want to look at it.
If you see Florian Wirtz as an attacking option as well, you can make it five [forwards available],” Slot said to The Times when asked if Liverpool have enough options in attack.
“Yes we’ve sold Darwin [Nunez], we’ve brought in Hugo [Ekitike], Luis [Diaz] is gone, but maybe you can see Florian as his replacement.
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“Then you have Jeremie Frimpong who, when he is fit, is definitely an option to play as a winger as well.
We have six players who can play in three positions.”
The fact Slot mentioned a right-back as one of his options but not Ngumoha would perhaps be a concern to fans, with that begging the question: does Slot trust Ngumoha?
If he does not get the chance in the Premier League, Ngumoha will surely play in the early rounds of the Carabao and FA Cup.
And, if he does, the 16-year-old desperately needs to take them, just like he has in pre-season, if he stands any chance of impressing his boss further.
Ngumoha certainly has high expectations, so Liverpool need to manage him as much as possible, with Slot perhaps doing this by taking him out of the spotlight where he can.
So, snubbing him with these comments could be taken either way, but Reds fans will be hoping the young winger at least gets a chance to shine on the biggest of stages.