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Liverpool boss Arne Slot has suggested that 17-year-old prodigy Rio Ngumoha could be handed a starting berth against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, after a stunning showing in the 2–0 victory over Fulham that helped relieve some of the mounting pressure on the Dutchman.
While Slot, who led the Reds to their second Premier League crown last season, believes he still has the full backing of Liverpool's ownership, a significant portion of the fanbase has grown restless following a run of disappointing performances and results.
A limp 2–0 first-leg defeat to PSG in their Champions League quarterfinal proved the breaking point for many, and Slot would undoubtedly have faced enormous scrutiny had the Reds failed to deliver at Anfield on Saturday evening.
However, the manager helped his standing by injecting fresh energy into an attack that had struggled on Wednesday night. A back four was restored, Mohamed Salah returned to the lineup, and Ngumoha made only his second Premier League start. Both got on the scoresheet in Liverpool's much-needed 2–0 win over Fulham, boosting their prospects of securing a top-five finish.
Ngumoha 'Ready' After Dazzling Fulham Performance
There are still rough edges that Slot must address if Liverpool are to pull off a remarkable turnaround against the European champions on Tuesday night. Nevertheless, the Reds played with a renewed sense of attacking intent, largely driven by Ngumoha's impressive impact on the left flank.
The teenager's first Anfield goal was sublime, breaking the deadlock, and Slot admitted post-match that he was not at all surprised by the youngster's outstanding display on Saturday.
"He possesses such a rare quality that you rarely see in modern football: winning the one-v-one battle," the self-described soccer romantic said after the game. "That's precisely what he did when he scored his goal, freeing himself with twists and turns before finishing it like a Mo Salah strike, I'd say.
"It's something that doesn't surprise me at all, because in training over the past month, we've seen more and more that he's developed the power to strike the ball as forcefully as he did today."
Ngumoha has bided his time waiting for more chances, having burst onto the scene on Matchday 2 of the 2025–26 Premier League season with a dramatic late winner at St. James' Park. Slot has yet to give the teenager a consistent run in the side, but Liverpool's recent attacking struggles have made it increasingly difficult for the Dutchman to leave him out.
When asked whether Ngumoha could start Tuesday's second leg against PSG, Slot responded: "Yeah, I think he's ready. Now the question, of course, is: can he do this again two days later? That's another question."
The 17-year-old has made just three Champions League appearances as a substitute in his fledgling career, yet finds himself suddenly in the frame to play a pivotal role in Liverpool's most important match of the season.