Rio Ngumoha made his first Premier League start for Liverpool against Tottenham and the 17 year old is already talking like a veteran .
The teenager, who impressed in the FA Cup win over Wolves, was handed his top flight debut by Arne Slot at Anfield . Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning free kick put the Reds ahead, but Richarlison struck a minute from time to snatch a point for the relegation threatened visitors .
THE REACTION
Ngumoha was withdrawn just after the hour mark, with Hugo Ekitike coming on. But the youngster took to social media afterwards with a message that will endear him to the Kop.
“Disappointed with the result today but happy to make my first Premier League start. We go again.”
Short, simple, and exactly the right tone. Acknowledge the disappointment, but focus on the next challenge.
SLOT’S EXPLANATION
Why start a 17 year old in a Premier League game? Slot’s answer was straightforward.
“I have 12 to 13 players that are able to bring good performances. Rio is doing that well it makes sense to play him. It is a mix of playing the ones that are fit and using the quality that these players can bring.”
That’s a huge vote of confidence. Ngumoha is now firmly in Slot’s thinking.
THE PENALTY SHOUT
Ngumoha had appeals for a first half penalty waved away by referee Chris Kavanagh after going down under pressure. Jamie Carragher wasn’t convinced.
“I don’t think it’s a penalty. He’s almost on the way down. He just comes across, but the legs just don’t clip. Porro has a real tug of his shirt. He (Souza) almost just brushes him around the midriff. It’s definitely not a penalty.”
THE FANS’ FRUSTRATION
Liverpool were booed off at full time, another late goal conceded, another dropped points. Slot understands.
“I think it’s understandable for fans to be frustrated because it happened already so many times that they’ve seen the home team not picking up the points that they’re expecting to, us conceding goals in the last minute.”
His message? Use it. “Now it’s up to us to bring that frustration to Wednesday and come up with a big performance. Because that we are all frustrated, that’s completely clear.”
THE VERDICT
A proud day for Ngumoha, even if the result hurt. A first Premier League start at 17. A mature reaction afterwards. And a manager who trusts him.
The future’s bright. Even if the present is frustrating.
