Could Andoni Iraola have a new attacking trio in mind for Liverpool’s clash with Brighton tomorrow?
With Víctor Muñoz looking a major doubt after picking up a knock against Brentford, Liverpool may need to shuffle their forward line again. And with Bradley Barcola available, Alexander Isak ready for more minutes and Rio Ngumoha coming off an outstanding performance against Villarreal, I think there is a strong argument for giving this trio a chance.
My suggestion? Isak through the middle, Ngumoha on the left and Barcola on the right.
That would mean Cody Gakpo dropping to the bench after playing the full 90 minutes against Villarreal on Tuesday night.
It might seem harsh after his recent return from injury, but I think there is a sensible argument for managing his workload and giving Liverpool’s other attacking options an opportunity to make their mark.
Rio Ngumoha has earned another chance
Let’s start with the obvious one.
Rio Ngumoha was sensational against Villarreal. Liverpool were two goals down, struggling to get going and looking short of ideas in the first half. The teenager helped change the game with his direct running, confidence and willingness to take defenders on.
His two assists were the headline contribution, but it was the way he played that really caught my eye. He did not hide when Liverpool were struggling. He wanted the ball, attacked his man and kept trying to make things happen.
That is exactly what supporters want to see from a young winger.
There is a freshness to Ngumoha’s game. He plays with freedom, looks to go past opponents and brings an unpredictability that can be difficult for defenders to handle. He is still learning, of course, but he has already shown that he can make a difference at this level.
So why not give him another start against Brighton?
I understand the need to protect young players and avoid piling too much pressure on them. One excellent European performance does not automatically guarantee a place in the starting XI every week.
But opportunities have to mean something. If a youngster performs as well as Ngumoha did against Villarreal, surely he deserves serious consideration for the next match.
Brighton will present a different challenge, but his pace and willingness to attack defenders could be useful against a side that likes to play football and can leave space to exploit.
For me, he has done enough to put himself firmly in the conversation.
Isak needs minutes – and Liverpool need his goals
Alexander Isak is another player I would like to see start.
Liverpool need their centre-forward to become a consistent goal threat, and Isak has the quality to deliver that. His movement, ability to link play and finishing make him an important option for Iraola as Liverpool look to turn their attacking potential into more regular goals.
He has also had to work his way back from injury, so managing his minutes remains important. Iraola should not take unnecessary risks with a player who could be crucial over the coming weeks.
But if Isak is ready to start, this looks like the sort of game in which he can make an impact.
Playing him between Ngumoha and Barcola would give Liverpool pace on both flanks, with Isak looking to attack the space between Brighton’s defenders.
It would also offer a different balance to the attack. Rather than relying on one winger to create everything, Liverpool could have two players capable of driving at defenders and creating chances for the striker.
Of course, the front three would need to develop an understanding. They cannot simply take turns running at the opposition and hope something happens.
But the ingredients are there.
Barcola is available – so why not use him?
The positive news is that Bradley Barcola is fit for the Brighton game.
He missed part of Liverpool’s preparations earlier in the week while completing an individual recovery session, but Iraola confirmed that he returned to normal training on Friday and was available for selection.
That gives the manager another attacking option at a time when the schedule is becoming increasingly demanding.
Barcola has pace, directness and the ability to stretch a defence. He can take on his full-back, attack space behind the defensive line and make runs that create room for teammates.
Those qualities could complement both Isak and Ngumoha.
With Ngumoha on one side and Barcola on the other, Brighton would have two dangerous wide players to think about. Isak could then concentrate on finding space in the penalty area rather than constantly having to drop deep to help build attacks.
There would also be a useful element of competition. Liverpool have several players capable of contributing in the forward positions, and nobody should assume that a place in the starting XI is guaranteed.
If Barcola is ready, I would be tempted to give him the opportunity.
Should Gakpo be rested?
This is where the decision becomes more interesting.
Cody Gakpo played the full 90 minutes against Villarreal after recently returning from injury. He remains an important player for Liverpool, and I would not want anyone to interpret a possible place on the bench as a criticism of his performances.
But Liverpool have a busy run of fixtures, and managing players properly will be essential.
Iraola has already spoken about the need to rotate his team because matches are coming every three or four days. That is particularly important for players who are returning from injury or carrying a heavy workload.
Gakpo has just completed a full match in a demanding European comeback. Asking him to start again immediately might be unnecessary when Liverpool have other options available.
I would rather see him come off the bench if needed than risk pushing him too hard at this stage.
There is also a tactical argument. Ngumoha offers a different kind of threat, while Barcola brings pace and direct running. Starting those two alongside Isak could give Liverpool an energetic front three capable of putting Brighton under pressure from the opening whistle.
Gakpo would still have an important role to play. If Liverpool needed a different attacking option later in the game, he could provide it.
That is what a strong squad should allow a manager to do.
The Brighton game could be perfect for a fresh approach
Liverpool cannot afford to underestimate Brighton. They are a dangerous side, comfortable in possession and capable of causing problems if they are allowed to dictate the tempo.
But Liverpool need to impose themselves at Anfield, and I would like to see Iraola pick an attacking line-up that can stretch the pitch and give Brighton plenty to think about.
My preferred front three would be:
● Left wing: Rio Ngumoha – reward his performance against Villarreal and let him attack defenders with confidence.
● Centre-forward: Alexander Isak – give him the opportunity to lead the line and build momentum.
● Right wing: Bradley Barcola – use his pace and directness to stretch Brighton’s defence.
It is an exciting option, but it is not without risk. Ngumoha is still young, Isak needs to be managed carefully after his injury, and Barcola is adapting to Liverpool’s demands.
That is why I would not expect the trio to solve every problem immediately. They would need support from midfield, better service into the penalty area and a more controlled performance from the team as a whole.
Still, I would love to see Iraola give it a go.
My verdict: give Gakpo a rest and unleash the trio
For me, this is about more than picking three exciting attackers. It is about managing the squad sensibly while rewarding players who are showing they deserve opportunities.
Ngumoha has given Iraola a genuine selection headache after his performance against Villarreal. Barcola is available again, and Isak needs to build his match fitness and rhythm when it is safe to do so.
Meanwhile, Gakpo has just completed 90 minutes after returning from injury.
I would start the three fresh options and keep Gakpo ready on the bench.
It would send a positive message to Ngumoha, give Barcola another opportunity and allow Isak to continue building towards his best form, while avoiding unnecessary demands on Gakpo.
Will Iraola choose that exact front three? We will have to wait and see.
But I think there is a strong case for it, and I would certainly be excited to see how they perform together.
Isak, Ngumoha and Barcola against Brighton? I’d give it a go.
What would you do, Liverpool fans – start all three, or stick with Gakpo?
Jamie – (The Kopite View)
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