Rio Ngumoha's second-half introduction as a right winger against Wrexham at Yankee Stadium did not go unnoticed. The 17-year-old, in the early stages of his Anfield career, has been fielded almost exclusively on the left since joining Liverpool. Under Arne Slot and in his only previous appearance under Andoni Iraola against Sunderland in Nashville, he played on the left, a position he made his own towards the end of last season.
Positional shift signals intent
Seeing Ngumoha shift to the opposite flank on the same day interest in Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola was accelerated was surely no coincidence. Iraola may offer a plausible pre-season explanation for the teenager operating on the right, but with negotiations set to begin over the £140m-rated Barcola—a left-sided forward—the positional tweak took on extra significance.
It is also possible that Ngumoha is being trialled at right-wing to eventually get the best out of £125m Alexander Isak, who missed the game by remaining in Chicago to build fitness with fellow World Cup stars Florian Wirtz and Ryan Gravenberch.
Future without Salah
Liverpool have known for months that a Mohamed Salah-less world at Anfield means they must get more value from their most expensive player going forward. One way to achieve this might be to have the electric Ngumoha tearing down the right side to offer crosses and cut-backs to Isak.
If that is the plan behind the scenes, it will be a learning process for Ngumoha, who found space at a premium on the unfamiliar touchline. Wrexham afforded him extra attention, and he was unable to drift infield to open up spaces for shots and passes.
Barcola arrival could reshape attack
If Barcola is to be this summer's marquee signing, he will need to play where he is most comfortable, potentially leading to a new role for Ngumoha. Pre-season provides an ideal time to work out the details. The winning goal Ngumoha scored took a deflection before looping over former Reds goalkeeper Danny Ward, but the opportunity to play on that side theoretically opens up more shooting space for the former Chelsea youngster.
With four more friendlies to come and Ngumoha expected to sign an improved long-term contract when he turns 18 late next month, there is plenty of time to develop the tactic, both in the short and long term.
