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Liverpool has been carefully controlling the development of Rio Ngumoha.

But players like Conor Bradley remain as proof that there's a pathway there for those who are good enough.

And even at 16, there is every reason to believe that Ngumoha might already be primed to play a first-team role.



Indeed, the question is being asked as to whether or not Slot even really needs to sign a direct Diaz replacement.

His latest outing against Yokohama FM only served to further underline his strengths.

He tormented his full-back from the moment he was introduced, and he managed to mark his appearance with a goal, dancing through and finding a neat finish.

Even so, it would clearly be unfair to ask Ngumoha to step up as the direct replacement for Diaz.

The Dutchman will likely pick up a good deal of the slack left by Diaz, meaning Ngumoha could carve out a handy spot as the next man up.

Rotating with Gakpo and called upon as a regular impact substitute, Ngumoha has given Slot every reason to believe that he could make his mark this season.

All in all, Ngumoha could stay and play his part in replacing Diaz without a crushing weight of pressure.

Liverpool won't give in to the hype, and it has an expert team on hand to decide the best next steps for Ngumoha