Sam Allardyce urges Arne Slot to unleash Rio Ngumoha earlier for Liverpool

Sam Allardyce has urged Liverpool boss Arne Slot to give 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha more time on the pitch after the youngster’s eye-catching display against Nottingham Forest.

Ngumoha came on in the 77th minute at the City Ground and immediately lifted Liverpool’s attack, helping create the move that led to Alexis Mac Allister’s first goal, later ruled out by VAR, before the Argentine finally netted the winner.

Slot was full of praise for the teenager, highlighting how Ngumoha is already coping physically against seasoned professionals and noting that he is “getting stronger and stronger” with every appearance.

The Dutch coach stressed that the winger is learning to hold his own against older, more powerful opponents across the Premier League.

Allardyce believes the next step is to introduce Ngumoha earlier in matches so he can exploit tiring defences and grow in confidence.

He suggested keeping the youngster on the bench for now, but bringing him on with around 20 minutes to go, arguing that this approach makes it easier to build his belief while also putting pressure on underperforming starters to raise their level.
​