Liverpool’s plans for Rio Ngumoha could be about to take an interesting turn.
According to The Times’ Paul Joyce, the 17-year-old is set for a prominent role under Andoni Iraola, but could feature much more regularly on the right wing rather than his natural left side.
And if Liverpool complete their pursuit of Bradley Barcola, this could be a very sensible move for the teenager.
👀 Barcola could change Ngumoha’s position
Ngumoha has predominantly operated from the left throughout his development.
That’s where we’ve seen him cause defenders so many problems with his pace, direct running and ability to take players on.
But if Liverpool manage to bring Barcola to Anfield, the Frenchman would likely become the club’s first-choice option on the left.
Rather than allowing that to restrict Ngumoha’s opportunities, Iraola could instead move him across to the right.
And I actually really like the idea.
This could be perfect for his development
At just 17, Ngumoha doesn’t need to be playing every single week in his preferred position.
What he needs is regular first-team football.
If moving to the right gives him more opportunities to play, learn and develop, then it’s something Liverpool should absolutely explore.
We’ve already seen how dangerous he can be when given freedom to attack defenders.
Imagine him receiving the ball on the right, cutting inside onto his stronger foot and combining with players like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.
There is plenty of potential there.
Iraola clearly sees something in him
What’s particularly encouraging is that Ngumoha appears to be firmly in Iraola’s plans.
The Times reports that Liverpool are preparing to give the teenager a prominent role, while he is also set to sign a new five-year contract once he turns 18.
That’s a huge vote of confidence.
Liverpool aren’t looking at Ngumoha as just another academy youngster who might occasionally make the bench.
They see him as part of the first-team picture.
And that’s exactly what supporters want to hear.
Barcola and Ngumoha could complement each other
Rather than thinking:
Barcola = bad news for Ngumoha
I’d look at it differently.
Barcola + Ngumoha = competition and options.
Barcola could dominate the left.
Ngumoha could develop on the right.
And both players could potentially switch sides during games.
That would give Iraola an incredibly flexible attack.
It also means Ngumoha doesn’t have to carry the enormous pressure of being Liverpool’s answer to every problem on the left.
He can develop at his own pace.
But don’t forget how young he is
This is still a 17-year-old we’re talking about.
We shouldn’t expect Ngumoha to suddenly become a 30-game Premier League starter.
There will be inconsistent performances.
There will be games where he struggles.
There will be periods where Iraola decides to protect him.
That’s completely normal.
The important thing is that the pathway is there.
And Liverpool appear determined to give him opportunities.
Could this be another surprise from Iraola?
One of the things I’m enjoying about Iraola’s Liverpool already is that he’s willing to think differently.
We’ve seen Jeremie Frimpong look liberated.
We’ve seen the manager experiment with different attacking structures.
And now Ngumoha could be given a completely different role.
Maybe the next stage of his development isn’t becoming the best young left winger in England.
Maybe it’s becoming a devastating right winger as well.
If Liverpool can sign Barcola and simultaneously develop Ngumoha on the opposite flank, the Reds could suddenly have two incredibly exciting young wide players competing for places.
And for a 17-year-old who has already shown he belongs at this level, that’s a very exciting prospect.
Barcola on the left.
Ngumoha on the right.
Wirtz and Isak through the middle.
Iraola could have something very special to work with.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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