It's time for Arne Slot to roll the dice on Rio Ngumoha as Liverpool bid for a famous Anfield night against PSG
It's time for Arne Slot to roll the dice on Rio Ngumoha as Liverpool bid for a famous Anfield night against PSG The appreciation from Anfield was audible when the fourth official's board went up with the number 73 upon it at the weekend. 'Rio, Rio' echoed around the famous ground, who serenaded Liverpool 's terrific teenage talent as Rio Ngumoha headed for the dugout. Ngumoha had earlier become Liverpool's youngest-ever Premier League goalscorer at Anfield, a second of the season for the 17-year-old, after his last-gasp winner at Newcastle in August.
The winger has started only twice in the Premier League this season, but the calls for his inclusion from the start against Paris Saint-Germain this evening are loud. Ngumoha, in fleeting appearances this season, has provided something Liverpool have lacked: bravery. In a manner that only youth can bring, Ngumoha is fearless in possession and unafraid to take risks.
Liverpool face Paris Saint-Germain tonight with their only remaining hope of silverware at stake - and a mountain to climb. Arne Slot 's side were fortunate to escape Paris with only a two-goal deficit; such was the dominance of the Parisians at the Parc des Princes. The holders had 74% of the ball in the French capital and 18 efforts on goal.
Liverpool managed only three, with none testing Matvey Safanov in goal. The threat of PSG is clear. This is a side that cruised to Champions League success last season, breaking their European duck in style.
A record-breaking 5-0 win over Inter Milan was the cherry on a continental cake more than a decade in the making. Containing that threat will be crucial to Slot's side's chances, but Liverpool must also find a way to hurt their visitors. Ngumoha might just be the right route.