Liverpool's rising star, Rio Ngumoha, might just get another chance to shine in the highly anticipated clash against Arsenal this weekend, according to manager Arne Slot. The young winger's electrifying performance against Newcastle United has certainly caught the eye, and Slot's comments suggest he could play a significant role in the Reds' upcoming fixture.
Ngumoha etched his name into Liverpool folklore during Monday's dramatic encounter at St James' Park. With the clock ticking past the 100th minute, he calmly slotted home the winning goal, securing a 3-2 victory over a resilient Newcastle side reduced to ten men. The game was already steeped in drama, fueled by swirling rumors surrounding Alexander Isak's future and a potential move to the Premier League champions. However, the young Ngumoha remained unfazed, displaying remarkable composure as he dispatched a first-time shot into the far corner, silencing the Newcastle faithful after a clever dummy from Dominik Szoboszlai.
Slot, visibly impressed by Ngumoha's impact, hinted at the possibility of featuring him against Arsenal, a match that pits last season's top two teams against each other. "It is the beauty of football that although we have spent a lot, there is still room for [Ngumoha], and he can show his quality," Slot stated during his pre-match press conference. "As things stand, there is still room for him to show that in the upcoming game as well. So I think he will be on the bench and has a fair chance of coming in if needed."
Ngumoha's journey to Premier League prominence has been nothing short of remarkable. The winger celebrated his 17th birthday on Friday and, with his goal against Newcastle, became the fourth-youngest goalscorer in Premier League history, also the youngest in Liverpool's illustrious history. Only James Vaughan (16 years, 270 days), James Milner (16 years, 356 days), and Wayne Rooney (16 years, 360 days) have found the net at a younger age in the competition.
Adding another layer to his achievement, Ngumoha came within a whisker of becoming the youngest-ever match-winning goalscorer in the Premier League. Only Wayne Rooney, who famously fired Everton to victory against Arsenal in October 2002 when he was just a day older than Ngumoha was on Monday, holds that particular record. These statistics paint a clear picture of the potential that Ngumoha possesses, a potential that Liverpool are keen to nurture.
Adding to Liverpool's attacking arsenal is new signing Hugo Ekitike, who arrived from Eintracht Frankfurt in a £69m deal in July. Slot has been effusive in his praise for the forward, highlighting his immediate impact on the team. Ekitike has already scored in each of his first three games for the Reds, demonstrating his clinical finishing and ability to integrate quickly into the team's attacking system.
“[Ekitike] has made a big impact on our attacking, not just scoring goals but starting attacks. That is a bit more than last season,” Slot said. “The most simple answer to what he can improve is his match fitness. So I expect him to do a lot more off the ball. But that is normal as he had to adjust to a different league and playing style. He also came a bit later in pre-season, so has had to adapt to the intensity levels without the ball. They are the small steps to take.” Ekitike's arrival provides Liverpool with another dimension in attack, offering Slot tactical flexibility and increased competition for places.
With Ngumoha's emergence and Ekitike's impressive start, Liverpool's attacking options are looking formidable. The blend of youth and experience, coupled with Slot's tactical acumen, makes them a force to be reckoned with. The clash against Arsenal promises to be a thrilling encounter, and Ngumoha will be hoping to seize the opportunity if it arises, further cementing his place in the hearts of Liverpool supporters.
