Former Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole has warned the club against placing too much pressure on young forward Rio Ngumoha, as the 17-year-old is expected to take on a more prominent role next season following Mohamed Salah's departure and Hugo Ekitike's long-term injury.
Ngumoha has enjoyed a breakout campaign under Arne Slot, scoring on his Premier League debut against Newcastle and making 24 appearances in all competitions. With Salah set to leave at the end of the season and Ekitike sidelined for most of 2026/27, the teenager could be thrust into the spotlight.
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 the importance of a careful development plan: '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.'
The former England international added: 'I think it's a case of developing. 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.'
Ngumoha could see increased playing time in the closing weeks of the season as Liverpool aim to secure a Champions League spot. The Reds sit fourth in the Premier League ahead of this weekend's match against Manchester United.
