Liverpool spent more than 440 million pounds to upgrade the squad last summer, but paradoxically, a 17-year-old talent who grew up from the academy brought a new breath of life to their stagnant season.
The question is whether Rio Ngumoha can become the key to the comeback against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League?
Coach Arne Slot's future may depend on the second leg at Anfield, where Liverpool must overcome a two-goal gap. Ngumoha's impressive performance against Fulham has put the Dutch coach face a difficult problem in choosing a squad.
Ngumoha - the youngest player to score for Liverpool at Anfield in Premier League history - played an important role in the victory, helping the team consolidate their position in the top 5, thereby nurturing hopes of participating in the Champions League next season.
However, former legend Jamie Redknapp believes that this 17-year-old talent may be more suitable for the role of "super substitute" in the match against PSG.
If Slot let him start, I wouldn't be surprised either. But when choosing the optimal squad for a big match, I like the midfield including Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai - the balanced trio who once brought success to Liverpool" - Redknapp commented.
Up front, Redknapp suggested Hugo Ekitike play centre-forward, with Florian Wirtz on the left wing and Mohamed Salah on the right.
He also emphasized the strategic role of the options from the bench: "You don't need to win in the first 20 minutes, but you can lose. Then, players like Ngumoha or Alexander Isak who come on at the end of the match can make a difference, rekindle the spirit and explode the stands".
Redknapp also revealed Ngumoha's development journey, from his time at Chelsea until he joined Liverpool at the age of 16.
His potential is too clear. I have never seen a young player move so fast. It's not just talent, but also the result of continuous training" - he shared.
Ngumoha was once highly rated by Chelsea, but chose Liverpool to develop his career. After a difficult initial adaptation period, this young talent is gradually asserting himself with important goals, from the match against Newcastle to Fulham.
He is enjoying football and doing very well. The important thing is to stay focused and continue to strive. Liverpool is a harsh environment, but also a perfect place to develop" - Redknapp concluded.
In the context that Liverpool needs a miracle at Anfield, Ngumoha - whether starting or coming on as a substitute - is likely to still be an important card in Slot's big gamble.
In the long term, Ngumoha helps Liverpool have another potential option, thereby reducing the pressure to spend heavily to find a replacement for Salah in the summer transfer window.
Instead of focusing all his strength on a contract in attack, Slot is likely to prioritize upgrading other positions, such as goalkeeper in the context that Alisson Becker may leave, along with adding a quality center-back and midfielder.
However, Ngumoha cannot directly replace Salah right next season. However, if he continues to maintain his impressive form like the match against Fulham, this 17-year-old talent can completely be given more starting opportunities in the near future.
The match between Liverpool and PSG takes place at 2:00 AM on April 15 (Vietnam time).
