It’s not often that a former Liverpool captain says exactly what a large section of the fanbase is thinking, but that’s exactly what Steven Gerrard has done regarding Rio Ngumoha and Arne Slot.
Speaking about Slot’s team selections, Gerrard was very clear in his opinion:
“He has to start Ngumoha now… he has to start. He’s coming on and doing more in a short cameo, in a short space of time, than Cody Gakpo is doing in 65–70 minutes, so he deserves to start.”
And it’s hard to argue with that.
Ngumoha Making an Impact Every Time
Every time Rio Ngumoha comes onto the pitch, something seems to happen. He runs at defenders, he brings energy, he excites the crowd, and he looks like he actually wants to make things happen.
Against Brighton, when Liverpool were chasing the game, he looked like Liverpool’s most dangerous attacker in the final minutes, and that’s becoming a regular pattern.
The big question now is simple:
If he’s impacting games from the bench, what could he do if he started?
Gakpo vs Ngumoha Debate Growing
This now puts pressure on Cody Gakpo, because the comparison is becoming more obvious with every game.
Gakpo works hard and links play, but Liverpool often lack pace, directness and unpredictability when he starts on the wing. When Ngumoha comes on, the game suddenly feels faster and more dangerous.
That’s exactly what Gerrard was pointing out — impact.
Football is often very simple:
Who creates chances Who scares defenders Who changes games
Right now, Ngumoha is doing that in short bursts.
Big Decision for Arne Slot
This now becomes a big decision for Arne Slot.
Does he:
Keep trusting experience with Gakpo Or reward performance and impact with Ngumoha
Fans usually accept decisions when players perform, but when a young player keeps impressing and still can’t get a start, people start asking questions.
And when Steven Gerrard starts asking the same questions, the pressure only grows.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
The Kopite View 
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