Rio Ngumoha’s impact at Liverpool will come as no surprise to people who knew about him. When Liverpool signed Rio Ngumoha from Chelsea’s academy in 2024, the reaction at each club was markedly different. Liverpool were delighted to secure one of the most highly rated teenagers in English football. Chelsea, on the other hand, were reportedly furious, with claims that Liverpool scouts were subsequently barred from attending Chelsea youth matches.
The move came after Liverpool offered Ngumoha a clearer pathway to first-team football. That opportunity aligned with the 17-year-old winger’s own ambitions for his career.
Rio Ngumoha has never lacked belief in himself. His confidence is unmistakable. Speaking on Inside the Academy, he said:
“I truly believe I can win the Ballon d’Or one day. I want to be regarded as one of the best players to ever play football and be a legend of the game.”
It is a bold statement, but his mentality reflects it. He does not shy away from receiving possession, even after losing it moments earlier. Mistakes do not shrink his involvement. Instead, he continues to demand the ball and drive forward.
Liverpool offered him a pathway to the first team. His performances suggest he is ready to take the next step and become a regular in the Liverpool starting XI.
Technical Quality That Demands Starts
Ngumoha’s ability on the ball is exceptional for any player, let alone a 17-year-old. His dribbling is his standout attribute. He does not hesitate to take on experienced Premier League defenders, and that fearlessness immediately changes the dynamic of Liverpool’s attack.
His directness forces defensive adjustments. Full-backs often retreat early to avoid being beaten in a 1v1, which pushes the defensive line deeper. That shift allows Liverpool to sustain attacks higher up the pitch and maintain territorial pressure.
When opponents double up to contain him, it creates structural imbalances. The extra defender drawn toward the 17-year-old winger leaves space elsewhere, either centrally or on the far side. Quick combinations and switches of play can then exploit those gaps.
Rio Ngumoha’s starting position is high and wide, stretching the opposition across the pitch. Against low blocks in particular, that width is crucial. It increases the distance defenders must cover and opens channels that Liverpool have sometimes struggled to access.
Rio Ngumoha’s Impact From the Bench
Rio Ngumoha’s impact from the bench has been decisive at key moments. His most significant contribution came at St James’s Park, where the 17-year-old winger scored a dramatic 100th-minute winner after coming on as a substitute.
That moment felt like the catalyst for him to establish himself as a regular starter. Instead, his role has remained largely limited to brief cameo appearances, which has frustrated sections of the Liverpool fanbase.
Despite restricted minutes, Rio Ngumoha’s impact has been noticeable. His introductions often shift the tempo of games, bringing directness and urgency to Liverpool’s attack.
The calls for him to start have grown louder. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher echoed that view when speaking on Sky Sports, stating:
“Ngumoha did more in 15 minutes than Salah and Gakpo did before that. He changed the game and needs to be starting games.”
Such endorsements strengthen the argument that Ngumoha deserves a place in the Liverpool starting XI.
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Competition With Cody Gakpo
Ngumoha’s primary competition for the left-sided role in the Liverpool starting XI is Cody Gakpo, a player Arne Slot has trusted consistently this season.
However, Gakpo’s performances have fluctuated. With five goals and three assists across 21 starts in 25 Premier League matches, his output has not consistently provided the decisive edge Liverpool require from a player in their forward line. In several games, the attack has appeared predictable, particularly against low blocks.
Despite this, Rio Ngumoha’s impact has remained largely confined to brief appearances from the bench. The contrast in energy and directness between the two profiles has become a growing point of discussion.
While the 17-year-old winger has recorded just one Premier League goal this season, his influence in limited minutes has often felt more dynamic. Where Gakpo offers control and structure, Ngumoha provides unpredictability and direct threat.
The question for Arne Slot is not whether Cody Gakpo is a capable option, but whether greater competition and rotation could sharpen Liverpool’s attacking edge.
The Decision Facing Arne Slot
Rio Ngumoha’s impact this season has made the debate around his inclusion in the Liverpool starting XI increasingly difficult for Arne Slot to ignore.
His technical ability, influence from the bench, and the need for greater rotation in wide areas all strengthen the case for the 17-year-old winger to start more games.
The decision now rests with Arne Slot. Whether he prioritises the control offered by Cody Gakpo or the unpredictability of Rio Ngumoha will shape Liverpool’s attacking approach.
If Liverpool are to evolve beyond their predictable attacks, Rio Ngumoha deserves more than cameo appearances.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / PPAUK
Recording Date: 14.02.2026
