It's time for Arne Slot to roll the dice on Rio Ngumoha as Liverpool bid for a famous Anfield night against PSG

It's time for Arne Slot to roll the dice on Rio Ngumoha as Liverpool bid for a famous Anfield night against PSG

The appreciation from Anfield was audible when the fourth official's board went up with the number 73 upon it at the weekend. 'Rio, Rio' echoed around the famous ground, who serenaded Liverpool's terrific teenage talent as Rio Ngumoha headed for the dugout.

Ngumoha had earlier become Liverpool's youngest-ever Premier League goalscorer at Anfield, a second of the season for the 17-year-old, after his last-gasp winner at Newcastle in August.

The winger has started only twice in thePremier League this season, but the calls for his inclusion from the start against Paris Saint-Germain this evening are loud.

Ngumoha, in fleeting appearances this season, has provided something Liverpool have lacked: bravery. In a manner that only youth can bring, Ngumoha is fearless in possession and unafraid to take risks.

Liverpool face Paris Saint-Germain tonight with their only remaining hope of silverware at stake - and a mountain to climb.

Arne Slot's side were fortunate to escape Paris with only a two-goal deficit; such was the dominance of the Parisians at the Parc des Princes. The holders had 74% of the ball in the French capital and 18 efforts on goal. Liverpool managed only three, with none testing Matvey Safanov in goal.

The threat of PSG is clear. This is a side that cruised toChampions League success last season, breaking their European duck in style. A record-breaking 5-0 win over Inter Milan was the cherry on a continental cake more than a decade in the making.

Containing that threat will be crucial to Slot's side's chances, but Liverpool must also find a way to hurt their visitors. Ngumoha might just be the right route.

The 17-year-old is electric, while the rawness in his game adds unpredictability. Achraf Hakimi might be one of the few full-backs in world football capable of matching the teenager stride for stride, but the Moroccan often has his sights focused on venturing forward. Leaving Ngumoha high and wide would offer Hakimi a second thought and Liverpool a threat in transition.

Slot said in hispre-match press conference that Ngumoha has the personality to perform on this stage. It hints at a manager prepared to run the risk on a night when his team must do so.

"Yeah, I think he can. First of all, because of his personality. He doesn't get distracted that soon. I think everyone who knows his history a bit more, there's a lot of expectation around him for many years already and he's always been able to focus on football, to become better, to become stronger, to become ready at 16 years of age to score your first goals, 17 years of age and already had multiple starts for the first team of Liverpool. That's one thing.

"And second of all, because of his quality. He shows that he's able at the highest level – which is Champions League, but Premier League definitely is this as well – to be able to take one-v-ones on and make it difficult for the defenders he's facing. I think he's done a very good job in managing what comes to him now. But then it's also a good thing to have so many experienced players around you, which he has in the dressing room."

Liverpool's Champions League and seasonal hopes should not be pinned on a 17-year-old. But at a time when other attacking options are floundering, Ngumoha offers an element of surprise.

Anfield will play its part tonight in the hope of another magical European night, and few in the current squad get fans off their seat quite like Ngumoha. It's time for Arne Slot to take a chance and roll the dice. What's the worst that could happen?