Arne Slot identifies two reasons Rio Ngumoha can become Liverpool superstar

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With calls growing for Rio Ngumoha to start for Liverpool in the second leg against Paris Saint-Germain, Arne Slot has dropped yet another hint over whether the teenager will get his chance

Arne Slot has hinted he could start Rio Ngumoha against PSG(Image: Getty Images)

Arne Slot has talked up Rio Ngumoha’s chances to become a star at Liverpool as he dropped another hint that the teenager could start against Paris Saint-Germain.

Calls have been growing for Ngumoha to start the second leg against the defending European champions this week. The Reds of course have a mountain to climb after losing 2-0 in Paris last week, with hopes of a comeback low after the performance in France.

Ngumoha’s display at the weekend against Fulham, in which he scored his second Premier League goal, has given supporters a lift though, and the 17-year-old could be in line for another opportunity on his biggest stage so far.

Given his age, Slot has been cautious in his approach with Ngumoha so far, despite facing calls from the likes of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher to give the youngster more opportunities.

The Liverpool boss though has dropped hints that he is considering throwing him in against PSG, and he is in no doubt about his ability to handle such a big occasion.

Calls are growing for Rio Ngumoha to start against PSG(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Asked whether Ngumoha can cope with these types of games, Slot told a press conference on Monday: “Yeah, I think he can. First of all, because of his personality.

“He doesn't get distracted that soon. I think everyone who knows his history a bit more, there's a lot of expectation around him for many years already and he's always been able to focus on football, to become better, to become stronger, to become ready at 16 years of age to score your first goals, 17 years of age and already had multiple starts for the first team of Liverpool. That's one thing.

“And second of all, because of his quality. He shows that he's able at the highest level – which is Champions League but Premier League definitely is this as well – to be able to take one-v-ones on and make it difficult for the defenders he's facing.

“I think he's done a very good job in managing what comes to him now. But then it's also a good thing to have so many experienced players around you, which he has in the dressing room.”

Liverpool.com says: Ngumoha surely has to start against PSG. There is nothing to lose for Liverpool, given it is already behind in the tie, and let’s face it, the teenager deserves to start more than some of his senior teammates in any case.

There’s no doubt about his ability, and this is the sort of game where we could learn more about his mentality and what lies in wait for him in the future. What an opportunity it could be.