The last thing Liverpool needed was another injury.
Cody Gakpo being forced off after just 17 minutes for the Netherlands against Serbia is obviously a concern, particularly after Alexander Isak has already had his own injury problems.
But there could be a silver lining.
Could this be Rio Ngumoha’s chance to really shine?
Because if Gakpo is going to miss games for Liverpool, somebody is going to have to step up.
And I’m more than happy to see what Ngumoha can do.
The teenager has already been getting plenty of opportunities from Andoni Iraola this season.
He’s made five appearances so far, including three starts, and one thing I really like is that Iraola isn’t treating him as someone who can only play in one position.
Ngumoha has played on both wings and has spoken about how the new manager has given him another tool to his game.
That’s important.
Because he’s not just some academy kid being thrown into the squad because Liverpool are short of bodies.
Iraola clearly sees something in him.
We saw it against Tottenham in the Carabao Cup.
Ngumoha started on the right, caused problems for Destiny Udogie and was involved in the move that led to Alexis Mac Allister opening the scoring. He was eventually replaced by Bradley Barcola in the second half.
There were some really encouraging moments.
And that’s what I want to see more of.
This is how young players get their chance
Nobody wants Gakpo injured.
I’d much rather have him fit and starting for Liverpool.
But football doesn’t always work that way.
If his injury keeps him out for a period of time, Iraola has a decision to make.
Does he stick with the more experienced options?
Does he move somebody else across?
Or does he give Ngumoha a bigger role?
For me, I’d be very tempted by the third option.
Not because I expect an 18-year-old to suddenly replace everything Gakpo gives Liverpool.
That’s unrealistic.
Gakpo has become one of Liverpool’s most important attacking players and has shown that he can score, create and work incredibly hard for the team.
Ngumoha isn’t Gakpo.
That’s precisely why I’d like to see him.
He gives Liverpool something different.
He’s fearless.
He wants to run at defenders.
He wants to take people on.
He doesn’t seem particularly interested in playing it safe.
And sometimes you need that.
Iraola seems to trust him
This is another reason why I’m interested.
If this was happening under a manager who didn’t fancy giving young players a chance, I’d be worried.
But Iraola has already shown that he’s willing to put his faith in Ngumoha.
The youngster has even spoken positively about working with him, saying the Liverpool boss has been helpful and that playing on both sides has given him another dimension to his game.
That’s a pretty big compliment from a young player.
And I think Iraola sees the same thing supporters do.
There is something exciting about Ngumoha.
You can see the raw ability.
The pace.
The confidence.
The willingness to take responsibility.
He just needs minutes.
And if Gakpo is unavailable, those minutes could suddenly become much more valuable.
Don’t put too much pressure on him
This is the important part.
I don’t want to see people expecting Ngumoha to score every week because Gakpo is injured.
That’s not fair.
He’s 18.
He’s still learning.
There will be games where he frustrates us.
There will be games where he loses the ball trying something that doesn’t come off.
That’s football.
I’d rather see him try something than become scared of making a mistake.
Because that’s how you find out what you’ve actually got.
And Liverpool have already seen enough to know there is something there.
Ngumoha has already represented England at senior level too, becoming the fifth-youngest player to play for the Three Lions when he made his debut against New Zealand in June.
So this isn’t some completely unknown academy player.
He’s already knocking on the door.
Maybe this is the moment
That’s how I’m looking at it.
Obviously, first things first, I hope Gakpo’s injury isn’t serious.
Liverpool need him.
But if he does have to miss a few games, perhaps this is exactly the sort of situation that can accelerate Ngumoha’s development.
Give him a run.
Let him play.
Let him make mistakes.
Let him frighten a few defenders.
And see what happens.
Because one thing I’ve learned with young Liverpool players is that sometimes you don’t know they’re ready until you actually give them the opportunity.
We’ve already seen flashes from Ngumoha.
Now he might get the chance to give us something more.
Cody Gakpo’s injury is bad news for Liverpool.
But it could be very good news for Rio Ngumoha.
And I’ve got a feeling the kid is going to be desperate to make the most of it.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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