John Aldridge has delivered a stark warning to Liverpool: Rio Ngumoha shouldn’t be the answer. The fact that he’s being treated like one says everything about this Reds team.
The Anfield crowd has fallen hard for the 17 year old. His pace. His fearlessness. His unpredictability. But in his latest column, the Liverpool legend argues that the excitement comes from a place of desperation, not just admiration.
“If you’re good enough, you are old enough,” Aldridge writes. “But the onus and expectation on injecting the attack with pace and trickery should not be placed at the feet of a 17 year old, regardless of potential.”
What the boos really meant
Ngumoha was substituted in the last game and couldn’t continue through injury. But the boos that rang out weren’t aimed at the manager or the decision, they was a cry of frustration at what Liverpool have become.
“It wouldn’t have happened in any case had the rest of the attack been anywhere near as lively,” Aldridge said.
That’s the killer line.
Luis Diaz offered that kind of energy last season. He’s gone. Mohamed Salah has lost much of his pace. Cody Gakpo has a different skillset entirely. Jeremie Frimpong has speed but didn’t impress on the right wing, and hasn’t really been near it since his latest injury.
So all eyes turn to a kid.
‘You don’t know what he’s going to do’
To be clear, Aldridge rates Ngumoha. Highly.
“He is raw and is a bit of a throwback to the Jurgen Klopp days in that he just approaches every game at full pelt.
“It’s that kind of player who gets fans out of their seats and creates a buzz, as well as giving opposing defenders the realisation they are in for a tough day at the office.”
But raw is the key word. A throwback is nice. A plan is better.
Wirtz, Isak and the missing firepower
Aldridge expects Florian Wirtz to be better next year. The German has struggled at times in his debut campaign, but the creativity Liverpool missed on Saturday was glaring.
“Should Wirtz be the main attacking midfielder, he needs to score more goals. Something like one in three should be attainable for a player of his standing.”
Alexander Isak was bought with speed in mind but has barely played. Frimpong has flattered to deceive since his latest return from injury.
“Liverpool haven’t really had enough firepower from all around the front four and they won’t improve until that is addressed,” Aldridge said.
Villa not the worry but don’t expect an easy night
Liverpool travel to Aston Villa on Friday. Villa have the Europa League final on their minds. Some fans think that’s a distraction.
Aldridge isn’t so sure.
“Liverpool shouldn’t be worrying about them. The game will be much more about what the Reds are capable of doing.”
He saw Villa destroy Nottingham Forest in their Europa League semi final. Tremendous. He also saw most of their draw at Burnley on Sunday. Struggled.
“It was very much a case of after the Lord Mayor’s show.”
Whatever side Unai Emery puts out, it won’t be easy. Nothing has been easy this season.
The verdict
Aldridge would take a draw now. Give themselves a chance to beat Brentford at home on the final day and finish with some pride.
But the bigger picture is clear. Liverpool need more. More pace. More creativity. More goals from midfield. And they cannot keep asking a 17 year old to provide it all.
The boos said everything. The fans aren’t angry at Ngumoha. They’re angry at what’s around him.
