Rio Ngumoha agreement reached after Jamie Carragher issues Liverpool demand

Rio Ngumoha has been earning plenty of plaudits for his impact off the bench in Liverpool's win over Nottingham Forest, with Jamie Carragher demanding more minutes for the youngster

Rio Ngumoha impressed with his performance off the bench in Liverpool's win over Nottingham Forest(Image: Getty Images)

Rio Ferdinand and Daniel Sturridge have joined in the praise for Rio Ngumoha following the youngster’s impact during Liverpool’s win over Nottingham Forest.

The 17-year-old came off the bench for the final 13 minutes of normal time at the City Ground with his side seemingly meandering to a goalless draw. Alexis Mac Allister though would grab a stoppage-time winner to send the Reds level on points with Manchester United and Chelsea in the race for Champions League qualification.

Ngumoha has received plenty of plaudits for his performance after his display, with former Red Jamie Carragher calling for him to receive more minutes.

"Ngumoha did more in 15 minutes than [Mohamed] Salah and [Cody] Gakpo did before that. He changed the game and needs to be starting games,” Carragher told Sky Sports after the game.

Sturridge has joined Carragher in calling for the teenager to be given more minutes by Arne Slot, with the former striker posting on X: “Every time I watch Rio Ngumoha, he looks electric.

“Direct, fearless, always trying to affect the game. He deserves more minutes. Simple as that.”

Jamie Carragher has called for Rio Ngumoha to be given more playing time at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

And it’s not just former Liverpool stars paying Ngumoha compliments, with even ex-Manchester United players paying some begrudging respect to the youngster after Ferdinand agreed with Carragher and Sturridge’s assessments.

“Top drawer the kid Rio for LFC,” Ferdinand posted. “Changed the game for them. A winger that wants to beat his man & deliver with a mix of speed & finesse.”

Although he has been a regular feature in Liverpool’s first-team squad this season, Ngumoha has had to remain patient for his opportunities. He has made 15 appearances for the senior side, including nine in the Premier League, although only three have come from the start, with all of those coming in either the Carabao Cup or FA Cup.

“He has incredible potential, otherwise, at 17 years of age, you don’t play as many minutes as he does in the Premier League, let alone at Liverpool,” Slot said on Ngumoha after the win over Forest.

“I don’t think there is any other 17-year-old who has played as many minutes in the Premier League as he did. I don't think there is an 18-year-old or 19-year-old that has maybe played as many minutes as Rio.

“That tells you how much of a talent he is and we think he is. He is making progress more and more and that's why you see him playing more and more.”

Slot added: “For him to show this already at 17 years of age, it says something about his talent. But as we all know, talent is only the start of his career, you need so many other things.

“We have shown today; Macca [Mac Allister] a great example of mentality and that is something you need to have a career at this level.”