SerpApi.Org
Rio Ngumoha has hinted he could play on the right wing for Liverpool next season, giving the Reds a solution to their biggest transfer headache this summer.
The 17-year-old looks set to play an even bigger role for the Reds after what has been a breakout year. Although Liverpool endured a dismal final campaign under Arne Slot, Ngumoha’s reputation only grew as he made 29 appearances in all competitions and had a starting spot nailed down toward the end of the season.
His performances led to him earning a call-up to England’s training camp ahead of the World Cup, where he once again impressed after winning the player of the match award in a warm-up game against New Zealand before going on to score in a behind-closed-doors game against Miami FC.
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He will now be aiming to continue his development under Andoni Iraola, and he has suggested he could play a new role for the new Liverpool boss.
The Reds have struggled to find a replacement for Mohamed Salah this summer, with the club’s primary target Yan Diomande instead favoring a move to Paris Saint-Germain. An alternative is yet to be found, with Bradley Barcola being linked, while an approach has been made for Maghnes Akliouche.
Ngumoha, though, has suggested he could fill the gap left by Salah, having spent time playing on the right for England this summer, and having worked on that side during training with the Reds.
“I think being unpredictable off both sides is key,” Ngumoha told the club’s media from Liverpool’s training camp in Chicago.
“Obviously, everyone knows I can play on the left, but on the right I feel like I’m improving and I’m getting better. So, yeah, definitely off the left and the right this season.”
Ngumoha will be aiming for more opportunities with Liverpool this season, with the teenager’s performances last season showing just how big a part he could play, even at such a young age.
“All my teammates, all the boys, they helped me throughout the whole season,” Ngumoha said. “Because at the start, they just knew me as an exciting young player that’s coming up.
“But now I feel like they really see me as one of them, even though I’m still young and they also treat me as a young player, they also treat me like one of them as well. It was very good last season. Obviously not from the team point of view, but I experienced a lot and gained a lot of experience last season.”
On his aims for the upcoming season, Ngumoha added: “Definitely help the team out with goals and assists, but also my defensive actions as well.
“I’ve got to improve in both of them, but also just try to implement myself as a starter sometimes. Coming off the bench as well, because obviously we have so many players, so many top players, we’re all competing for places. But it’s healthy competition. Just try to help the team as much as I can really.”
