Arne Slot attempts to justify Rio Ngumoha's lack of playing time at Liverpool this season

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Arne Slot has moved to explain Rio Ngumoha’s limited game time for Liverpool this season, despite the teenager’s explosive breakthrough and growing fan frustration over his absence from the starting XI. The 17-year-old forward produced one of the campaign’s standout moments with his dramatic late winner away at Newcastle, becoming the club’s youngest goalscorer and instantly elevating expectations around his role in the squad. Yet he has still not established himself as a regular starter in the Premier League, even as senior forwards like Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo have struggled for form.

Slot argues that Ngumoha’s situation is shaped by both competition for places and a deliberate strategy to protect his development. The manager points out that Liverpool are unusually well stocked in wide attacking areas, with several senior players and versatile options capable of playing in Ngumoha’s preferred positions. According to Slot, if the youngster played in a thinner area of the squad, he would likely have more opportunities already, but on the wings he is battling experienced internationals for minutes.

To keep him sharp, Ngumoha has recently been used with the club’s U21s, featuring in a friendly defeat to OGC Nice. Slot presents this not as a demotion, but as a way of ensuring the teenager continues to gain match rhythm and experience rather than sitting idle on the bench. He stresses that he does not want to overburden such a young player at elite level too quickly, warning of the physical and mental risks of excessive exposure at 17.

While many supporters feel Liverpool often lack Ngumoha’s directness and fearlessness in the final third, Slot maintains that his cautious, gradual integration is in the player’s long-term interests. He notes that Ngumoha remains firmly in his plans and that injuries and squad rotation will naturally create further chances, but insists that his pathway must be managed carefully rather than driven by short-term emotion.