There’s one very good reason why Rio Ngumoha cannot be a regular starter for Liverpool next season

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The clamour for Rio Ngumoha to become Liverpool’s new starting left winger grew louder on Saturday after the youngster turned in an eye-catching England debut.Coming on at half-time, Ngumoha was arguably England’s best player, showcasing the one-v-one ability which has quickly made him a huge fan favourite amongst Liverpool supporters.Although the 17-year-old played on the right for the Three Lions, his best position is surely still on the left of the attack. Are Liverpool in danger of blocking Rio’s pathway with a new signing this summer?

Liverpool must protect his development and avoid handing him too much, too young.Ngumoha can rotate on Liverpool’s leftAlthough logic dictates that holding Ngumoha back a little is the right decision here, that would still require Liverpool to make a big call on who he rotates with.Rotating between Ngumoha and Cody Gakpo again would be a risky strategy, although there is an argument that with the youngster developing all the time, doing this would be far more effective than during 2025/26.READ MORE: Darwin Nunez wants to rejoin Liverpool and could arrive as a free agentPhoto by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty ImagesNgumoha could also take the lead, starting more games than Gakpo, who has already shown that he can be effective as a back-up left winger.Most fans would prefer to see a fresh face brought in, though, but Liverpool will have to be careful with who this is.They would have to be good enough to start plenty of matches, but not to the point where they would block Ngumoha from eventually taking over the spot.Depending on how things go, that could be during the later stages of next season, or perhaps for the start of the 2027/28 campaign.Either way, the expectation should be that Ngumoha is the long-term option for Liverpool, it just does not need to be immediately. Liverpool have to be careful.

Arne Slot knew it, hopefully Iraola does too.Who should be Liverpool’s starting left winger?Because Ngumoha should be slated for a starting role in nine to 18 months, it is exceptionally difficult for Liverpool to get their next move right on the left wing.Given the difficulties in acquiring the right profile, we would not be at all surprised to see Gakpo go into next season as the primary left winger once again. How much would it take for Liverpool to decide Ngumoha should be sold?