Ngumoha would be 'a high-risk strategy' against PSG
- Published
The strains of Duran Duran's 80s hit 'Rio' swept around Anfield after the pressure and scrutiny that has been closing in on Arne Slot and Liverpool was relieved - for now - by victory against Fulham.
It was played in celebration of the brilliance of Rio Ngumoha.
He was born 26 years after the song was released - but on this day it was a timely soundtrack of celebration after the 17-year-old delivered an electrifying performance.
Ngumoha not only answered their call for inspiration in these troubled times with a goal and a starring role in a win which kept Liverpool fifth in the Premier League table, he also gave his head coach a dilemma.
If fortune favours the brave, does he now start the teenage prodigy in an attempt to retrieve the deficit when Champions League holders Paris St-Germain come to Anfield on Tuesday night?
Slot and Liverpool needed a spark with the club's season at a pivotal point - step forward Ngumoha to provide it.
Indeed, including Ngumoha would be a high-risk strategy and Slot's natural default this season has been conservatism. He will also be wary of PSG's threat on the counter-attack, which has already torn apart better teams than this current Liverpool side.
The other side of the argument asks: what has Slot got to lose?
He played his cards close to his chest post-match. "Rio showed why I play him more and more and more, because he is getting stronger and stronger, fitter and fitter, more and more ready to play at this level at 17 years of age," Slot said.
"He dominated his 1v1 situations, which is crucial, and that's why we went 1-0 up."
He was a constant threat on Liverpool's left-flank against Fulham, deservedly receiving a standing ovation when he was substituted after 69 minutes.
Was that to preserve his energy levels for Tuesday? Or was it simply because Slot felt the youngster had done enough?
The odds are probably against Ngumoha starting against PSG, but most observers would suggest he is contributing more than the subdued Cody Gakpo.
He is a guaranteed star of the future, but will Slot be bold enough to make him a star of Liverpool's present by playing him?
