Arne Slot makes huge Rio Ngumoha call ahead of FA Cup tie at Wolves

Liverpool fans have grown slightly frustrated over Arne Slot’s usage of Rio Ngumoha.

The 17-year-old was promoted to the first-team squad for the 2025/26 season - inking a new contract following his match-winning goal against Newcastle.

Richard Hughes cleared the decks for the England youth international - selling Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich. Ngumoha therefore was to become the chief cover and competition for Cody Gakpo on the left wing.

But the Dutchman has hoovered up the majority of the minutes. Ngumoha has been used sparsely in the Premier League in particular - with no starts as of 5 March - although Slot has been at pains to defend his strategy over the youngster.

But it looks like fans are going to get their wish over Ngumoha very soon - with the electric winger being primed for a rare start.

Ngumoha likely to start versus Wolves

Liverpool take on Wolves this Friday - in a repeat of the Premier League clash which the Reds lost at Molineux on Tuesday night. Only this time it’s taking place in the FA Cup round of 16 - and Ngumoha is set to replace Gakpo for the occasion.

That’s according to a report from Liverpool insider Paul Joyce in the Times - who nonetheless warns that Slot will have to be prepared to put up with Rio giving the ball away.

“The head coach could start the 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha — and that seems likely with the focus now switching to the cup — but would have to accept that he will lose the ball at times,” the report reads.

A rare start for Ngumoha

Ngumoha has got plenty of minutes in cup competitions - playing in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid and Qarabag - as well as featuring in the domestic cups too.

The ex-Chelsea starlet was given a start in the FA Cup third round against Barnsley and played from the bench in the fourth round against Brighton.

In the EFL Cup meanwhile he has started against both Southampton AND Crystal Palace.

Friday is set to become a HUGE Premier League audition for the youngster - who will be given the chance to show what he can do against a team who had the champions’ number last time out.

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