Andy Robertson shows his true colors with Rio Ngumoha after Liverpool call-up

Rio Ngumoha was handed his first Premier League start as Liverpool came up against Tottenham, with Andy Robertson showing his class ahead of the teenager's big moment

Andy Robertson showed his class with Rio Ngumoha ahead of Liverpool's game against Tottenham(Image: Getty Images)

Andy Robertson showed his class as he gave Rio Ngumoha some advice ahead of the teenager’s first Premier League start for Liverpool.

Ngumoha was given his big opportunity as the Reds came up against crisis-ridden Tottenham, with the teenager one of five changes made by Arne Slot following the Champions League defeat at Galatasaray in midweek.

The 17-year-old’s chance comes after the likes of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher both urged Slot to give him more opportunities, having seen him impress a number of times off the bench this season, and with some of his more senior teammates continuing to misfire.

Having been named in the starting line-up against Spurs, there would undoubtedly have been some nerves flying around for the youngster, although Robertson showed his experience ahead of kick-off.

The veteran left-back, who started just behind Ngumoha down the left-hand side, was seen deep in conversation with the winger during the warm-up, putting his arm on the teenager’s shoulder as he no doubt passed on some advice and calming words ahead of his big opportunity.

Robertson has spoken highly of Ngumoha recently, having been full of praise after starting alongside him in the FA Cup win over Wolves last weekend.

Rio Ngumoha made his first Premier League start for Liverpool against Tottenham(Image: Getty Images)

He said: "If he keeps playing like that, then the future is bright, but the here and now is bright as well, and that is all you can ask for from these young lads.

"He is a credit to himself and hopefully long may that continue."

Slot’s decision to start Ngumoha speaks volumes about the youngster’s recent impact, with the Liverpool boss deciding the time is right for him to start in the league after previously managing his game time closely.

“Why now? Because he started training with us this season, and he’s improving, improving, improving,” Slot explained to Sky Sports ahead of facing Tottenham.

“His game time has gone up, up, up, and then usually the next step is starting, and that’s today.

“First of all, because he did so well against Wolves, first of all because he’s developing well. Second of all, Hugo Ekitike trained for the first time with us yesterday, but missed out the day before.

“But mainly because Rio has shown that he’s ready for it now. He has to show it today, maybe, but if you look at what he did till now, I think the next step is starting, and that’s what he does today.”