Rio Ngumoha’s England debut offered another exciting reminder of why Liverpool believe they have one of the best young attackers in the country.
The 17-year-old came on at half-time against New Zealand, earned man of the match recognition and once again showed that his progression is not slowing down. He has already caught the eye under Arne Slot, but what he showed on his international debut should be particularly interesting for Andoni Iraola.
Ngumoha is usually thought of as a left-sided winger, but his England display showed a two-wing versatility that could become a serious weapon for Liverpool next season.
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Andoni Iraola can recreate Bournemouth success with Rio Ngumoha
Ngumoha playing from the right for England is a testament to the trust he has earned from his exploits last season. Liverpool are currently short of wide options, and the teenager is beginning to show he can cover both flanks rather than being locked into one role.
Antoine Semenyo became such a threat under Iraola at Bournemouth because he could move across the front line, attack defenders from different angles and still carry a goal threat.
Ngumoha is not the same profile. He still needs to add the goals Semenyo found under Iraola, but he is already a better 1v1 dribbler and has the unwavering confidence to take players on repeatedly.
Modern managers want forwards who can rotate, change sides and create spacing nightmares for defenders. PSG have used that kind of versatile front line to win two Champions Leagues, and Liverpool should be looking to move towards the same type of attack.
Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak are two strikers capable of vacating to the flanks when needed, and Liverpool’s top targets to replace Mohamed Salah — Yan Diomande and Bradley Barcola — are players who fit into a fluid front line.
Missing out on Semenyo hurt, but Ngumoha’s latest step is proof of concept for using him in a similar tactical way. He has shown under Slot and now for England that he can be a modern two-sided wide threat, not just a touchline winger on one side.
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Against New Zealand, he was a constant thorn in the defence’s side, beating defenders at will and looking at home on the unfamilar right side.
Jude Bellingham told Ngumoha he has a ‘really bright future’ at Liverpool after handing him his first England cap, while the English press reaction reflected just how lively he looked on debut.
Bayern Munich interest in Ngumoha has also emerged in recent days, but Liverpool’s stance appears firm. The Reds see him as untouchable, and an exit feels highly unlikely.
With senior players away at the World Cup, Ngumoha is one of the Liverpool players Iraola can properly work with early, and his England debut has just given the new manager something very interesting to think about.
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