Arne Slot praises Rio Ngumoha impact at 17

​Rio Ngumoha stole the spotlight after Liverpool’s dramatic 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest, with the 17-year-old winger changing the game from the bench.

Introduced in the 77th minute for a below-par Mohamed Salah, he injected energy, pace and directness into a previously flat Liverpool attack.

Ngumoha’s dangerous cross sparked the chaos that led to the decisive 89th-minute ‘handball’ goal, and his fearless 1v1 dribbling finally forced Forest’s defence onto the back foot.

Speaking after the match, Arne Slot was quick to underline just how significant the teenager has already become. “He is already playing a big role for a 17-year-old player. Tell me where in the Premier League there is a player who has gotten this number of minutes,” the Liverpool manager said.

“This tells you about the quality of the talent he possesses, and how much we appreciate him,” Slot added, making clear that Ngumoha is not just a prospect but an important part of the squad right now.

With performances like this, the young winger is rapidly building a case for even more trust and responsibility in Liverpool’s run-in.
​