Liverpool now have one less right wing option for Newcastle opener after disappointing Monaco defeat
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Andoni Iraola will likely already know most of his starting XI for Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Newcastle United at St James’ Park in less than two weeks’ time.The Basque has now had more or less a full pre-season to assess his players and should really have eight or nine spots filled in his mind.The two or three left to nail down will come in the centre of the defence, where new signings Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo will be the favourites to start, and on the wings, where Iraola’s plan does not yet look to be especially clear. Iraola has options on the left, though, with Cody Gakpo the most probable starter.On the right wing is where the biggest trouble is brewing.
Lewis Koumas was chosen during Sunday’s friendly defeat against Monaco, but while the 20-year-old did really well during his 75 minutes on the pitch, he is not a serious candidate to start at Newcastle.Rio Ngumoha potentially was, with Iraola already using the 17-year-old in a slightly unfamiliar right-sided role several times during pre-season before Sunday.However, Ngumoha has not looked his usual self when switching wings, and after a completely ineffective half-hour showing at Anfield, the teenager should no longer be considered as a potential starter from the right.Rio Ngumoha is not a right-sided forwardIraola has recently spoken about how he wants his wingers to be able to play on either side of the pitch. However, Sunday was more proof that he is just not as much of a threat from when robbed of the natural inclination to cut in onto his stronger foot.Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty ImagesREAD MORE: What is already clear about Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak under Andoni Iraola at LiverpoolStill so young, there is a big question mark over whether Ngumoha should be considered a starter in any capacity for Liverpool this season.All things being equal, he should be set for another season of making an impact from the bench, while increasing his number of starts.But Liverpool’s lack of wide options has pushed him up the thinking.
When his rivals on the right are Koumas, Federico Chiesa and Victor Munoz – who played off the left on Sunday – Ngumoha looks like the best possible starter.The Monaco match should really end that thinking, though, and make it a priority for Liverpool to push forward in the market in the coming days.Who should start at right wing for Liverpool vs Newcastle?This really is a dilemma for Iraola, and it does make it necessary for Liverpool to advance whatever discussions they are having in the transfer window.Ibrahim Mbaye has been heavily linked, but the trail seems to have gone cold for the 18-year-old in the past few days.Real Madrid’s Endrick could be an alternative target, and if either of the youngsters are acquired in the next week or so, they should be the top candidate to start at St James’.Failing that, it could well be Ngumoha, which would be a gamble for Iraola. Instead, we would go with Munoz, who has the pace to play as a more natural, touchline-hugging winger.The Spaniard has played more from the left, as he did on Sunday, but along with hopefully a new signing, Munoz should be one of Iraola’s go-to right-siders for the season.Ngumoha may well be in time as well, but, for the moment, it is better to keep the teenager where he is most comfortable.