Former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch has told head coach Andoni Iraola that teenager Rio Ngumoha is now 'undroppable' following his man-of-the-match display in the Champions League win over Villarreal.
Ngumoha provided two assists as the Reds came from behind to beat Villarreal 4-3 in midweek. The 18-year-old has featured in nine of 11 games under Iraola and has already accrued more first-team minutes this term than he managed in the entirety of last season up to March.
Ngumoha's Right-Wing Rise
Four of Ngumoha's five starts this campaign have come on the right flank. Crouch believes the youngster should make his second Premier League start of the season for Sunday's visit of Brighton.
"He is undroppable," said Crouch. "He's Liverpool's best player at the moment. It's got to the point where he has to be starting games."
Crouch's Verdict on the Teenager
Crouch highlighted Ngumoha's versatility as a key asset. "The fact he can play off the right is a big plus. It means you can get a (Cody) Gakpo or (Bradley) Barcola into the game as well," he said.
"He was fantastic against Villarreal, and the crowd really took to him. He's not going to get you the goals that Mo Salah got obviously, but creative-wise he could consistently create chances from that right-hand side."
Liverpool's Season Outlook
Liverpool have taken 12 points from their opening seven Premier League games and stand four points behind third-placed Brighton. Having finished fifth last season, Crouch does not expect a title challenge but anticipates improvement.
"Once you get (Alexander) Isak and (Hugo) Ekitike back in that team, they'll be scoring goals for fun," he said, speaking exclusively to Paddy Power. "(Florian) Wirtz has had two good back-to-back performances now. He took his goal against Villarreal really well. They're not going to be challenging for the title this year, but there's definitely encouraging signs it's better than last year."
