Rio Ngumoha was better than every single other Liverpool player in three areas vs Chelsea
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If there is one thing Liverpool fans can rely on in a truly harrowing season, it is Rio Ngumoha playing well.Who would have thought this time last year that Liverpool would need to depend on a 17-year-old to carry the team, but that is the position we are in right now.Ngumoha rightly got his plaudits from fans against Chelsea after he assisted the home side’s only goal, while the teenager also managed to win the most duels, made the most ball recoveries and completed the most take-ons. Has Slot completely lost the fans after Anfield booed his decision to take Ngumoha off?
What was your reaction to the substitution? Photo Credit: Getty Images/Carl Recine Rio Ngumoha outshines all his Liverpool teammates vs ChelseaNgumoha was used on the left with Cody Gakpo in the middle due to Alexander Isak not being fit enough to start.He was taken off after 67 minutes, much to the anger of Liverpool fans, who booed the call.Slot has since explained in the aftermath of the draw with Chelsea that the winger actually had a muscle problem, hence why he was taken off.Yet, despite being replaced with over 20 minutes to go, Ngumoha still outperformed the likes of Gakpo, Jeremie Frimpong and Dominik Szoboszlai.No Liverpool player won more duels (6), made more ball recoveries (5), or completed more take-ons (4) against Chelsea than the 17-year-old.Rousing The Kop gave Ngumoha the highest rating of any player on the pitch versus the Blues.But there is a good chance he will not start next week when Liverpool take on Aston Villa.Hopefully, his injury issue is minor, but even if it is, Slot will still probably select Gakpo and Isak ahead of him.The Dutch left winger has become intertwined with the fan ire towards the manager, as most simply can’t understand why he is still playing every week when there is talent like Ngumoha on the bench.Yet, unless FSG make a change in the dugout, 2026/27 will likely be another season of frustration that sees the 17-year-old often benched despite being the Reds’ best attacker whenever he starts.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox