Steven Gerrard tells Arne Slot why Rio Ngumoha has to start for Liverpool in the FA Cup vs Wolves
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Rio Ngumoha was one of Liverpool’s best performers against Wolverhampton Wanderers after coming off the bench, in the eyes of Steven Gerrard.Arne Slot’s men fell to a harrowing 2-1 defeat at the hands of Championship-bound Wolves on Tuesday.As has so often been the case this season, there was little for fans to get excited by, but the form of Rio Ngumoha is certainly a positive. Some utterly abject displays Photo by Ben Roberts – Danehouse/Getty Images Steven Gerrard tells Arne Slot to start Rio Ngumoha because he does more than Cody GakpoAfter watching the 17-year-old be denied by a superb save from Jose Sa, Liverpool fans demanded Slot start Ngumoha more.Now, speaking live on TNT Sports in the aftermath of the fixture, former Red Steven Gerrard has issued a similar verdict.He told Slot that Ngumoha must be in the XI against Wolves when the pair face off in the FA Cup on Friday, making it clear that the Academy product does more than Cody Gakpo every game despite the Dutchman playing more.Gerrard said: “For 65 minutes [before Rio was brought on], Liverpool were desperate tonight.
“He [Slot] has to start Ngumoha now, he has to start him because he’s coming on and he’s doing more in a short cameo, in a short space of time than Gakpo’s doing in 65-70 minutes. He deserves a start now.
You’ve got to start the kid on Friday night.” Which exciting Liverpool youngster will have the brightest future at Anfield? Credit: George Wood/Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Getty Images Rio Ngumoha is creating more chances than any other Liverpool playerIt is really hard to argue with both fans and Gerrard’s view that Ngumoha should be starting more this season.In the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, Dominik Szoboszlai has created the most chances for Liverpool (56, 2.1 per 90).Florian Wirtz is second (44, 2.1 per 90), followed by Mohamed Salah (42, 2.1 per 90).Ngumoha is quite far down the list, creating nine, but you must take into account that he’s played less than 180 minutes worth of football this season, meaning he has so far averaged a staggering 6.3 chances created per 90.That is the highest of any Liverpool player who has played at least 90 minutes in the top flight this term.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox