Liverpool fans have been waiting to see what Rio Ngumoha can do when given a proper opportunity, and the teenager is making a pretty convincing argument for himself.
The youngster is currently averaging 7.4 successful dribbles per 90 minutes in the Champions League this season, putting him ahead of some seriously talented players.
And the names below him make that statistic even more impressive.
Most successful dribbles per 90 minutes in the Champions League:
● Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool) – 7.4
● Michael Olise (Bayern Munich) – 5.0
● Aboubakary Koïta (AEK Athens) – 4.8
● Brajan Gruda (RB Leipzig) – 4.5
● Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) – 4.0
Yes, that means Ngumoha is ahead of Bayern Munich’s Olise and Barcelona sensation Yamal. Not bad company for a young Liverpool player who is only beginning to make his mark at this level.
Of course, one statistic doesn’t tell the whole story, and these figures can change as the competition progresses. But it tells us something about the way Ngumoha plays. He isn’t afraid to take responsibility, run at defenders and try to make things happen.
That willingness to attack opponents is exactly what Liverpool have sometimes lacked. Too often, possession can become predictable, with players taking the safe option instead of trying to beat their man.
Ngumoha is different. Give him the ball and he wants to go forward.
His performance against Villarreal was a perfect example. Liverpool were 2-0 down, struggling defensively and in danger of making life difficult for themselves in Europe. But the teenager helped turn the game around, providing two assists as Liverpool fought back to win 4-3.
He looked fearless. He took defenders on, created problems and played with the sort of confidence you cannot teach.
That doesn’t mean he should suddenly be expected to start every game. He’s still young, and Liverpool need to manage his development properly. There will be difficult afternoons, and opposition defenders will soon start paying even closer attention to him.
But talent like this needs opportunities.
Andoni Iraola has spoken about wanting an attacking Liverpool side, so surely a winger who is prepared to run at defenders and create something out of nothing deserves a chance to show what he can do.
The challenge now is turning these exciting moments into consistency. Ngumoha needs to keep working, improve his decision-making and learn when to release the ball rather than take on another defender.
But the raw ingredients are there for everyone to see.
Liverpool have a special talent on their hands, and these numbers are another reminder of why supporters are so excited about him.
He’s already ahead of some of Europe’s biggest names in this particular statistic. Imagine what he could do with more minutes, more experience and the confidence that comes from knowing he has a genuine role to play.
For me, Liverpool should keep giving him opportunities. You don’t develop a player like Ngumoha by leaving him on the sidelines.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
Leave a Reply