Young talent Rio Ngumoha has made it clear that he is hungry for more opportunities under head coach Arne Slot after an eye-catching substitute appearance against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
The teenager was introduced late in the game during Liverpool’s trip to the City Ground, a fixture that marked matchday 27 of the 2025/26 campaign. It proved to be a tightly contested encounter, with Liverpool edging out their opponents in a narrow 1-0 victory. Although the winning margin was slim, Ngumoha’s contribution in the closing stages did not go unnoticed.
Coming off the bench in the 77th minute to replace Mohamed Salah, the young winger injected fresh energy into the contest. His direct running, willingness to press, and confidence on the ball helped shift momentum in his side’s favour as they pushed to see out the result.
Despite having limited time on the pitch, he managed to make a lively impression that underlined his potential and desire to compete at the highest level.
In an interview with ESPN, Ngumoha opened up about his mentality whenever he is handed minutes with the senior squad. He explained that he approaches every opportunity with the intention of influencing the game, regardless of how long he is on the field. Whether it is through aggressive pressing, tracking back defensively, delivering crosses, attempting shots, or taking on defenders in one-on-one situations, his focus remains on contributing in every possible way.
The youngster emphasized that showcasing his abilities each time he is called upon is crucial. He understands that competition for places is intense, but he believes consistent hard work and impactful performances will help him gain the trust of Slot. Earning more regular involvement with the first team is clearly one of his main ambitions, and he appears ready to put in the effort required to achieve that goal.
Ngumoha also highlighted how vital consistent playing time is for his development. He admitted that sporadic appearances can slow a young player’s growth, which is why he remains open to featuring at under-18 or under-21 level if it means gaining valuable match experience. For him, regular minutes—regardless of the competition—are essential in refining his skills, building confidence, and accelerating his progress within the club’s system.
