Rio Ngumoha was tipped to be the breakout star for Liverpool this season.
The Reds may have spent big in the summer, but they still had plenty of quality in their existing squad, with this including the youngster.
The brightest young talent of them all is 17-year-old Ngumoha, with the winger shining in pre-season and when he has had the chance in the Premier League.
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However, his opportunities have been very scarce to say the least and he has played just 12 minutes of Liverpool’s last 10 games, something that has left fans undecided about what must happen next.
Liverpool fans unsure whether Rio Ngumoha needs to drop down into the U21s
At just 17, being in and around the first-team is a huge achievement in itself, but for a player of Ngumoha’s quality, he needs minutes.
He has not been getting them under Arne Slot, though, with fans not sure whether he should stop training with the first team and play for the U21s instead.
One supporter wrote: “Surely he should be playing for u21s?” while another said: “Dunno why they didn’t keep him in the academy and keep playing him. But no, they let him rot on the bench.”
A third summed up what he thinks needs to happen quite simply, saying: “Either needs game time or needs to go back to the academy where he can continue to develop, just sitting on the bench does nothing but deprive him of sharpness.”
Another sees Slot’s side of things, though, saying: “I believe he would in the second half of the season. He isn’t playing youth because they fear injury. So it’s a careful plan.”
A fifth, however, believes the Dutchman is treating Ngumoha poorly, writing: “It’s a joke. We’re saying we didn’t want to block his path, we (Slot) are the only ones blocking his path and development! Also used Rio as an excuse not to get a winger…”
Another added: “Exactly if he’s not gonna play for 1st team let him play for the u21s,” with a seventh even suggesting he might need a temporary move, saying: “He needs a loan for few seasons, he’s far from playing in the Prem. Anyone who saw him in Southampton and Palace match knows he is quite far from it.”
An eighth and final supporter said: “Dunno why he isn’t getting some minutes in the u21s. Being on the pitch is so important at that age.”
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Rio Ngumoha could get even fewer chances in the new year
Mohamed Salah leaving may have increased his chances at playing ever so slightly, but with the Egyptian now likely to stay, he stands little chance.
As well as this, Liverpool could still bring in another winger, perhaps someone like Antoine Semenyo, with this dropping him down the pecking order even further.
Slot’s new system also leaves limited opportunities, indicating that dropping down to the U21s is the best move for now at least.
Then in the summer, the situation can be reassessed, with a loan move maybe a good option for his development.
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