I’m really starting to like what I’m seeing from Rio Ngumoha on the right wing.
For a young player who has spent much of his Liverpool development playing on the left, switching sides was never going to be completely straightforward. The movements are different, the angles change and he has to learn how to get the best out of himself in a new position.
But his performance against Brentford has given me another reason to be excited about him.
Ngumoha is beginning to look comfortable on the right — and that could be very important for Liverpool.
Brentford showed what he can offer
Ngumoha came on in the 52nd minute at the Gtech Community Stadium, with Liverpool trailing 1-0 and needing something to change.
It was not an easy situation for an 18-year-old to enter. Brentford were defending their lead, Liverpool were pushing for an equaliser and the pressure was building.
Yet Ngumoha brought energy and directness to the game. His quick feet and willingness to take defenders on helped Liverpool find ways through a side trying to protect its advantage. This Is Anfield gave him an eight out of ten for his cameo, highlighting his ability to break lines and open up space.
He also helped create a dangerous moment from a short-corner routine, crossing for Virgil van Dijk, whose half-volley flew just wide.
Liverpool eventually turned the game around to win 2-1 through Victor Muñoz and Alexander Isak. Ngumoha did not need to score to make his contribution worthwhile.
What mattered was that he came on, looked ready to take responsibility and gave Liverpool another attacking option.
He has admitted his right-wing game is improving
The most encouraging part is that Ngumoha can see the progress himself.
Speaking after the Brentford victory, he explained that he had improved on the right since Liverpool’s earlier game against Newcastle and was beginning to understand the role better.
He also credited his experience with England, adding that he now enjoys playing on both sides and sees the versatility as another tool in his game.
I like that attitude.
He could easily insist that the left wing is his natural position and wait for opportunities there. Instead, he is embracing the challenge of learning a different role.
That matters because Liverpool need players who can adapt. A winger who is comfortable on either side gives Iraola more ways to change a game without necessarily having to make a substitution.
Liverpool have a reason to develop him there
With Mohamed Salah having left Liverpool, the right wing is an important position to fill.
Ngumoha is not expected to replace everything Salah brought to the team overnight, and it would be unfair to put that sort of pressure on him. But if he can become a genuine option on the right, Liverpool have another young attacker who can help balance the forward line.
He has the pace to stretch defenders, the confidence to take them on and the ability to create something when a game looks stuck.
From the left, he can attack defenders in a way that suits his natural game. On the right, he has different angles to explore and can learn when to drive inside, when to hold the width and when to combine with the full-back.
He will need time to master those details. One good cameo does not mean the job is finished.
But that is exactly why I am encouraged. He is learning the position while still finding ways to influence matches.
Iraola should keep giving him opportunities
I do not want Liverpool rushing Ngumoha or expecting him to become a regular starter immediately.
He is still young, and there will be games when things do not come off. He might lose possession, make the wrong decision or struggle against an experienced full-back. That is part of learning at this level.
What I want to see is the same willingness to take responsibility.
Against Brentford, he came into a difficult game and tried to make things happen. He did not look frightened by the occasion, and his cameo helped Liverpool maintain pressure as they chased the result.
That is the sort of attitude Iraola should encourage.
Give him minutes on the right. Let him make mistakes. Help him understand the tactical side of the position. Then see how quickly he develops.
Liverpool have several players who can operate across the forward line, but Ngumoha has something exciting: he is young, fearless and still learning.
The more positions he can play well, the harder he will be to leave out.
This could open a much bigger door for him
I am not suggesting Ngumoha is suddenly the answer to every question about Liverpool’s attack.
But I do think his development on the right could give him a clearer route into the team.
If he can become effective on both wings, Iraola has more flexibility when selecting his front three. Ngumoha can cover injuries, offer impact from the bench and eventually compete for starts without needing the team to be built around one specific position.
That is a big step for a young player.
And the best thing is that he seems to be enjoying the challenge rather than resisting it.
Liverpool supporters already know what Ngumoha can offer from the left. Now we are starting to see why he could be useful on the right as well.
Brentford might have been another small step in his development, but it was an encouraging one.
I want to see more of him there. I want him to keep learning, keep taking defenders on and keep making it difficult for Iraola to leave him on the bench.
Because if Rio Ngumoha can become a threat on both sides, Liverpool will have another exciting option for the future — and one who might be ready to contribute much sooner than some people expect.
By Jamie (The Kopite View)
Leave a Reply