Gary Lineker insists Liverpool should start 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha in their crucial match against Paris Saint-Germain. Ngumoha's standout performance against Fulham has intensified calls for his inclusion in the lineup.
Lineker says Liverpool must start Ngumoha vs PSG
Liverpool head into their biggest game of the season against Paris Saint-Germain with a major selection dilemma, and the calls for Rio Ngumoha to start are only growing louder.
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After his electric performance against Fulham, the 17-year-old has quickly become the focal point of debate ahead of Tuesday night at Anfield.
Speaking on The Rest is Football, Gary Lineker made his stance very clear on the teenagerâs involvement.
The former England striker said: âI would say I think [Rio Ngumoha] has to start [against PSG].
âThe two times he has started, heâs been their best player. He looks, you know, that fearlessness of youth, incredible ability.
âI think the Liverpool fans have actually been calling out for him to to start for quite some time now.â
Itâs a strong endorsement, but one that reflects what weâve all seen in recent weeks, with the young winger offering a directness and unpredictability that has been missing at times this season.
Ngumohaâs display against Fulham wasnât just eye-catching, it was decisive, with the academy graduate scoring and playing a key role in our attacking play throughout the first half.
Linekerâs comments add to a growing chorus of voices pushing Arne Slot towards a bold decision, especially with the Reds needing to overturn a two-goal deficit.
Danny Murphy and Alan Shearer have already suggested the youngster could be the spark we need, while Steve Nicol has gone even further by insisting thereâs âabsolutely no wayâ he shouldnât start given his recent impact.
That puts the Dutchman in a difficult position, balancing the risk of throwing a 17-year-old into a high-pressure Champions League quarter-final against the potential reward of unleashing his fearless attacking style.
From a Liverpool perspective, the argument is simple: we need something different, and Ngumoha offers exactly that.
Whether Slot sticks with experience or leans into youth could define our season, because if weâre going to produce another famous Anfield comeback, it may require the kind of fearless performance that only a player like Ngumoha can deliver.
Lineker believes Ngumoha should start due to his impressive performance against Fulham, which showcased his potential impact in a crucial match.
The match is considered Liverpool's biggest game of the season, highlighting its importance in their campaign.
Rio Ngumoha is a 17-year-old player who has gained attention for his electric performance in a recent match against Fulham.
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