'I spoke to Liverpool star Rio Ngumoha - this is what impressed me most'

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The teenage protege opted to stop and talk to journalists - including from Liverpool.com - after the Reds' win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday, and showed maturity beyond his years.Rio Ngumoha chose to stop and speak to reporters after Liverpool's win over Nottingham ForestIn years to come, Rio Ngumoha stopping in the post-match media mixed zone will likely become a mundanity.On Sunday, when he accepted reporters’ requests to speak after Liverpool’s 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest, that was certainly not the case. After all, he is still a minor, and while there is no legal reason a 17-year-old can’t conduct an interview, there are ethical considerations.There was a 30-second delay as the teenage protege and four more grizzled reporters waited for an outcome in the City Ground mixed zone - with Liverpool.com among the outlets present.READ MORE: Harvey Elliott made Rio Ngumoha promise shortly before Liverpool exit - 'Amazing future'READ MORE: Rio Ngumoha already backed for shock World Cup call-up as Liverpool chance could openEventually, with a nod and a thumbs-up, confirmation arrived that Ngumoha was indeed fine to speak with journalists.

He discussed the dramatic injury-time scenes against Forest and his view on the disallowed Alexis Mac Allister goal, before the conversation turned to his maiden campaign as a senior player.“I think it has gone really well. I can't ask for much more as a young kid.”Ngumoha impressed after coming off the bench at Forest(Image: Getty Images)Ngumoha also revealed some insights into his behind-the-scenes conversations with Arne Slot, detailed his mindset when introduced off the bench, and ultimately acknowledged he is keen to play more.“Yeah, hopefully soon.

I just need to keep pushing and keep gaining the manager's trust and hopefully that leads to more minutes.”Ngumoha’s playing time is becoming a major debate among Liverpool fans. Liverpool certainly won’t make that mistake with Ngumoha.Slot is wary of over-playing Ngumoha(Image: Getty Images)That said, there is a growing clamor for him to play with greater regularity, an argument that was only strengthened by his game-changing contribution against Forest, with Ngumoha’s input pivotal in the late surge that earned Liverpool three points.That Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo continue to struggle only adds further weight to the argument, with Jamie Carragher joining those calling for him to feature more often.Ngumoha also impressed recently off the bench against Bournemouth, Qarabag and Brighton & Hove Albion, although admittedly the Reds’ no.73 does benefit from facing fatigued defenders late in matches.There have been calls for Ngumoha to play more regularly(Image: 2025 Allstar)Regardless, it is becoming increasingly difficult for Slot to overlook a player showing maturity beyond his years.