Rio Ngumoha has revealed he has been working on playing as a right-winger in training after being utilised in the position during Liverpool's pre-season friendly win over Wrexham. The 17-year-old England international came off the bench to score the only goal as the Reds ran out 1-0 winners at Yankee Stadium.
Ngumoha's role and Barcola interest
The youngster has predominantly been used as a left-winger in his fledgling career, and was stationed in his natural position for Liverpool's opening pre-season tour match against Sunderland. However, he caught the eye when utilised on the right wing by Thomas Tuchel for his senior England debut against New Zealand earlier this summer.
With Mohamed Salah having left the club on a free transfer after nine years at Anfield, Liverpool are in the market for new attacking recruits. Victor Munoz has already joined in a £34.5m move from Osasuna, while the Reds have stepped up their interest in Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola.
Liverpool have held preliminary talks with the France international's representatives and have received encouraging signals from the player's camp over a potential switch to Anfield. It is understood the Reds are now ready to begin negotiations with PSG for Barcola, who is rated at well over £100m.
Barcola is predominantly a left-winger, and it has not gone unnoticed that Ngumoha was utilised on the right wing against Wrexham on the same day Liverpool accelerated their interest in the PSG star. The 17-year-old has hinted he could feature more on the right in the months ahead.
Ngumoha on his game
“All the coaching staff are just telling me to play my normal game really, whether that's going inside or outside,” Ngumoha said. “I've been working on it in training anyway, playing on the right and the left. Just being unpredictable really.
“On from the end of last season, I just want to play and start as many games as I can. These games are a really good showcase to show the manager, because it's a fresh start for everyone. It's really important and it's good. All the lads are treating me like I'm a professional player. Obviously, I'm still young and I'm learning, but all the players have been top. It has been good.”
Iraola's demands
Ngumoha also revealed what new head coach Andoni Iraola has been asking from him since the start of pre-season. “Pressing. We like to press high – so any duels we can win, we can go at full speed,” he told the club. “And then on the ball, when I get the chance one-v-one, take it on. If not, look, come back and keep playing. Goals and assists as well.”
He had earlier stated he considered himself an option for Iraola on the right wing. “Yeah, definitely (I'm an option on the right),” he said. “I think being unpredictable off both sides is key. Obviously, everyone knows I can play on the left, but on the right I feel like I'm improving and I'm getting better. So, yeah, definitely off the left and the right this season.”
