‘Steps to make’: Arne Slot explains 'the most difficult’ thing Rio Ngumoha still has to do at Liverpool
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.
Rio Ngumoha has now signed his first professional contract at Liverpool, much to the delight of fans.
The 17-year-old prospect has been one to watch ever since the Reds signed him from the Chelsea academy in 2024 and has made an instant impact at the club in his first team appearances.
Ngumoha netted his first goal in the Premier League with a late winner against Newcastle United in the incredible 3-2 game between the two sides in August, which earned him a Goal of the Month award.
Now he has been rewarded for his contributions to the club with a three-year professional contract, which is a huge show of faith in the youngster.
It was a perfect idea to tie the star down to an early contract, given how much ability and quality he has, giving Arne Slot a long-term option on the left for now and definitely the future.
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
The Dutch manager was clearly already a huge fan of Ngumoha, putting him in a prime position as part of the team, and now it allows him to look further at how to develop the player into a future starter.
Liverpool face Crystal Palace on Saturday at Selhurst Park, and following Hugo Ekitike’s red card, it is likely Alexander Isak starts, but it will also mean some changes in the forward line.
READ MORE: What Southampton coaches were spotted doing when they saw Rio Ngumoha on the ball for Liverpool
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
It may be an opportunity for the winger to have a chance off the bench once again to show his quality late on.
During the press conference for Saturday’s game, Slot was asked about the new contract of the youngster and explained what he will have to do to be a success at the club.
Responding to a reporter’s question, the Dutch coach said: “Good thing is if you’re a youngster at Liverpool, there are players who in your position who are better than you so there are still steps to make.
“He wants to improve but if he plays with Mo, Cody, Federico, he feels there are steps to make to their level and if he is at their level then it is consistency, that is the most difficult thing.”
This does show that the 47-year-old is not worried about his current performances, but rather that he will be looking at him to build up to the levels of the other talents in the squad.
It is a hopeful sign for the future of the club and the development of this exciting talent, but there were questions over why he only signed a three-year deal with all the promise attached to him.
This is because in the FA rulebook, a player 17 or under cannot sign a contract of more than three years, meaning he would have to wait until he is 18 to extend further.
An extension next year is most likely, as they are certainly not giving up on him any time soon.
It is an exciting time to be a part of the defending Premier League champions’ squad, and hopefully, we can see more of his quality and finishing ability in the games to come.