Liverpool fans might now owe Arne Slot a big apology after what happened against Fulham - opinion
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Liverpool fans rejoiced what has sadly become a rare Premier League victory on Saturday as they saw off the considerable threat of Fulham.The Cottagers have regularly made a game of it at Anfield in recent years, but were undone by some magic from teenaged superstar Rio Ngumoha.Reds fans have been desperate to see the 17-year-old much more this season, with many frustrated, and some downright angry, with Arne Slot for a perceived willingness to neglect Ngumoha’s talents. Are Liverpool in danger of blocking Rio’s pathway with a new signing this summer?
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Andy Buchanan/AFP As the former Chelsea prospect shows what he’s all about, those fans may feel emboldened that Ngumoha should have been playing far more regularly this term, but, instead, it is a sign that Slot has managed his minutes about as well as he could.As Ngumoha looks primed to make an impact against Paris Saint-Germain, any supporters still questioning the head coach’s use of his young star now have no choice but to admit that Slot has got this one right.Slot has perfectly managed Ngumoha’s developmentHad Liverpool been playing better football, and been higher up in the Premier League table, this season, then the clamour to see Ngumoha start meaningful matches simply would not be there.While football is an ever-changing environment and things ebb and flow, Slot’s point of view has seemingly always been that the fact that Liverpool may unexpectedly need a 17 year old does not mean it is right to play him.Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty ImagesHis development needs to be protected whatever the situation with the team, and having slowly built up his minutes since August, Slot has always had Ngumoha’s best interests in mind.It is clear that he can make a difference, but that should not come at the cost of his physical development and the need to ease him into life in men’s football. Slot has known that and having allowed Ngumoha the space to grow at his own pace, both coach and player will now reap the rewards of that.Liverpool fans can look forward to the best of NgumohaWhile talking about his decision to ease Ngumoha in, Slot has often referenced injuries suffered to Jayden Danns and, more pertinently, Stefan Bajcetic, as examples of young players given too much too soon.Though Danns has not exactly been playing loads with the senior team, Bajcetic’s story feels very relevant where Ngumoha is concerned.Had Liverpool supporters had their way this season, the No.
Who was Liverpool’s best player during the much-needed win over Fulham? Through nobody’s fault, the now 21-year-old was given short-term gain but at the cost of long-term pain.That is not to say that the same would have happened if Ngumoha had been afforded similar opportunities, but it was a possibility.Slot has done his best to take that out of the equation, and in doing so he is hopefully ensuring that supporters can see the best of Ngumoha in the years ahead.