Joe Cole has issued a warning to Liverpool regarding the future of rising star Rio Ngumoha, as the club faces significant changes in attack. With Mohamed Salah set to leave Anfield at the end of the season and Hugo Ekitike sidelined for most of the 2026/27 campaign due to an Achilles injury, the 17-year-old Ngumoha is expected to take on a more prominent role next term.
Breakout Season for Ngumoha
Ngumoha has enjoyed a positive breakout season under manager Arne Slot, scoring on his Premier League debut against Newcastle and making a total of 24 appearances across all competitions. The teenager is viewed as a key part of Liverpool's future, but Cole believes caution is needed to avoid overwhelming him.
Cole's Advice to Liverpool
Speaking to Goal, Cole said: "I think Liverpool, now Ekitike is out for a long time, there are holes there. He's not going to start in the next season, I'm sure. Salah's leaving, so it might be big for him to go straight in. I'm sure they'll sign another player who can fit the mold of both of those types of players."
Cole emphasised that Liverpool likely have a plan for Ngumoha's development, but the decision rests on whether to thrust him into a leading role or continue his gradual progression. He added: "If you've got that talent in your club, you do have a plan for him. They sit down and they watch him every day. They know the lad's mentality. They know whether they want to put that pressure on him from the start of next season to be the main man at Liverpool. Or do they want to take it off and just keep him developing nicely? Only Arne Slot and his team and the people upstairs will know that."
Avoiding Overexposure
The former Liverpool star stressed the importance of not overexposing Ngumoha: "It's about the family unit around him and the structure the club put around him. It's about not overexposing him, no over-reliance on him. I think that's the responsibility. The club, the family, and all the people around the player."
Cole concluded that modern football is better equipped to handle young talents: "It's a tough one, but I think we're much more equipped to do that nowadays. We understand a little bit more about developing players' mindset, mentality, and what players need. I'm sure Rio has got that. He's exciting to watch as well."
Looking Ahead
Ngumoha could see more playing time in the closing weeks of the season as Liverpool aim to secure a Champions League spot. The Reds currently sit fourth in the Premier League ahead of their weekend clash with Manchester United.
