‘Healthy competition’ – Rio Ngumoha embraces Liverpool fight with Gakpo, Munoz and Barcola

Rio Ngumoha is relishing the competition for places at Liverpool as he battles Cody Gakpo, Victor Munoz and £123 million signing Bradley Barcola for a place in Andoni Iraola’s side.

The 18-year-old believes the intense battle for attacking positions can only benefit Liverpool, with every player being pushed to maintain high standards as the club looks to build momentum early in the season.

Ngumoha has emerged as another option for Iraola in attack and faces stiff competition from established players and one of the club’s biggest summer signings.

Rather than allowing the battle for minutes to create tension within the squad, the teenager sees it as a positive influence that keeps everyone focused and prevents complacency.

“I think it’s healthy competition. In the games, if they score it gives you a drive as well to help the team score. If we’re getting results then at the end of the day we all play for the team and we all want the team to do well.

“I think just having that competition is there, it keeps us on our toes as well because you can’t get too complacent. It’s really good.”

Ngumoha targets third straight win

Ngumoha is now hoping Liverpool can extend their winning run when they welcome Fulham to Anfield on Saturday afternoon.

Iraola’s team have enjoyed victories over Ipswich Town and Atletico Madrid in their opening fixtures, leaving the Reds with an opportunity to make it three wins in succession across competitions.

For Ngumoha, another victory would provide further evidence of Liverpool’s positive start and set them up well for a demanding period before the international break.

“I think we can’t ask for much more of a better start really.

“(A) first win in the Premier League (and then a) first one in the Champions League. Hopefully we can get three wins this week against Fulham. It’s been good.”

The teenager is also looking beyond Saturday’s encounter, with Liverpool scheduled to face Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup before concluding their run of fixtures against Bournemouth.

Ngumoha believes Liverpool have the quality to take maximum points from the demanding schedule.

“If we can get the three points on the weekend – hopefully – then that leads into the League Cup (against Tottenham Hotspur and then the last game on Sunday against Bournemouth before the international break.

“It would be ideal if we could win all of them. The Premier League is tough, it’s the toughest league in the world, but I think we’re more than capable to definitely give the fans what they want and the manager, and show everyone why this season we’re not coming to play about, let’s say.”

Gakpo doubt gives Ngumoha opportunity

Ngumoha could have an opportunity to stake his claim against Fulham with Gakpo a doubt because of an adductor problem.

The Dutch forward’s potential absence would leave Iraola with another selection decision to make and could increase Ngumoha’s chances of earning a starting role at Anfield.

However, the youngster will still have to contend with Munoz and Barcola, who arrived at Liverpool with a huge reputation and a £123 million price tag.