Arne Slot given HUGE Rio Ngumoha January decision to make

January is a busy time for Liverpool - with nine matches between New Year’s Day and the end of the month.

And the bad news for Arne Slot is he is facing these games without several first-team players. Alexander Isak and Giovanni Leoni are long-term injury absences with others such as Mohamed Salah, Wataru Endo, Joe Gomez and Stefan Bajcetic are also missing.

After the game against Leeds on January 1 - a disappointing 0-0 draw at Anfield - Slot also admitted that he was taking it easy with Florian Wirtz due to concerns over his hamstring.

It would appear that the Liverpool head coach is trying his best simply to get through these games without too much damage suffered. But it’s now or never for the Premier League title winner to use what’s left of his squad options.

Ngumoha impressive in Leeds cameo

That means more football in particular for potential game-changer in Rio Ngumoha.

Nguomoha only played the last few minutes against Leeds on Thursday - once again denied a start in the Reds attack. However the 17-year-old was lively - arguably delivering Liverpool’s best attacking performance of the night despite his scant playing time.

He created two chances - more than either Cody Gakpo or Jeremie Frimpong managed. The England youth also completed 11 of his 13 passes attempted and completed 100 percent of his dribbles.

Ngumoha must be given a chance

With Fulham approaching on January 4 - the time is right for Slot to give him the added game time he deserves.

Leeds were quite comfortable in the game at Anfield - particularly on the left side where Wirtz wasn’t able to penetrate. Ngumoha made a huge impact - putting the Whites’ defence on the back foot and creating that element of doubt.

Sporting director Richard Hughes opted against signing a left winger following the departure of Luis Diaz - precisely because the club wanted to see Ngumoha promoted as an alternative to Cody Gakpo.

But even when the Dutchman was injured Slot opted to change his formation entirely rather than offer meaningful game time to Rio.

That has got to change - especially in January when the games are stacking up.

We’d love to see Ngumoha get his first Premier League start of the season on Saturday and have the opportunity to stake a claim for more matches going forward.

Knowing Slot however we won’t be holding our breath.

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