Liverpool youngster Rio Ngumoha is taking valuable lessons from two of England’s standout wingers, Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon, as he continues to develop his game under manager Andoni Iraola. The 18-year-old believes learning from experienced attackers is helping him become a more versatile and unpredictable player.
Ngumoha has been working to improve his ability to operate on both flanks, moving beyond his natural role on the left to gain experience on the right. His time with England has provided an opportunity to test that flexibility while observing how established international players approach training and matches.
For Liverpool, the teenager’s progress could offer another useful option in attack. His willingness to adapt to different positions, combined with Iraola’s emphasis on direct attacking play and defensive work, is helping shape his development.
Rio Ngumoha Learns From Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon
Ngumoha has identified Saka and Gordon as important examples to study while developing his ability to play on either wing.
Both players offer different qualities that a young attacker can learn from. Saka is known for his ability to create opportunities and threaten defenders from wide areas, while Gordon brings direct running and attacking intensity to his role.
Training alongside established players gives Ngumoha the chance to observe their movement, decision-making and approach to individual battles.
“Playing on the right with England was a good experience. I could also see players like Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka,” Ngumoha explained. He added that training with them every day and watching what they do had been particularly helpful.
For a young winger, those daily experiences can be valuable. Learning when to take on a defender, how to create space and when to deliver the ball can make a significant difference to attacking effectiveness.
Ngumoha is not simply looking to imitate senior players. Instead, he is using those observations to expand his own skill set and become more comfortable in different situations.
Why Playing on Both Wings Could Benefit Liverpool
Ngumoha’s growing versatility could make him a more difficult opponent to prepare for.
Wingers often develop a preferred side, where they become comfortable with their movement, positioning and attacking patterns. However, being capable of playing on both flanks gives a manager more tactical options and allows a player to adapt to different match situations.
Ngumoha believes this flexibility can make him less predictable.
Opponents might expect him to operate on the left, but his ability to move to the right can create different problems for defenders. Changing sides can also alter the angles from which he attacks, the passing options available to him and the type of delivery he can produce.
The main benefits of developing this versatility include:
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Greater tactical flexibility: Managers can use Ngumoha on either flank depending on the team’s needs.
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More unpredictable attacking play: Defenders cannot assume he will always occupy the same position.
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Additional opportunities: Being comfortable on both sides may help him compete for minutes in different formations.
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Improved understanding of the game: Playing different roles can develop his awareness of space, movement and defensive responsibilities.
For a young player seeking to establish himself at Liverpool, those qualities could become increasingly important as competition for attacking positions grows.
Ngumoha Shows His Value During Liverpool’s Comeback Against Brentford
Ngumoha has already experienced how adaptability can become useful during a match.
During Liverpool’s comeback victory against Brentford, Jeremie Frimpong encountered a problem shortly after coming onto the pitch, prompting Iraola to adjust his tactical approach.
Rather than introducing Joe Gomez, Iraola brought on Ngumoha and moved Victor Munoz into the wing-back position.
The change helped Liverpool reshape their setup. Munoz subsequently scored the equaliser, before Alexander Isak secured the victory for the Reds.
Ngumoha also contributed to the team’s efforts to preserve the positive result.
The episode highlighted how tactical flexibility can influence a manager’s decisions during a game. A player who can operate in different positions may offer a solution when substitutions or unexpected problems force a team to change its original plan.
Ngumoha described his season positively, explaining that he had been playing on both the left and right while continuing to work hard and improve.
Although one match does not determine a young player’s long-term prospects, the experience offered a practical example of why versatility can matter beyond individual attacking statistics.
Andoni Iraola Wants Ngumoha to Be More Direct
Iraola’s instructions are also playing a role in shaping Ngumoha’s development.
The Liverpool manager wants the teenager to show greater confidence when facing defenders one-on-one. Rather than avoiding difficult situations, Ngumoha is encouraged to take responsibility, attack his opponent and become a consistent threat in the final third.
That approach can be particularly important for a winger. Beating a defender can create space for teammates, open passing lanes and force the opposition to adjust its defensive structure.
However, Iraola’s expectations extend beyond attacking contributions.
Ngumoha explained that the manager also wants him to work hard when Liverpool do not have possession. This means helping the team defensively, supporting teammates and contributing to the collective effort rather than focusing exclusively on attacking opportunities.
The key areas of development are therefore clear:
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Improve one-on-one ability: Become more confident and effective when taking on defenders.
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Create attacking threats: Use pace, movement and technical ability to make a difference in wide areas.
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Contribute without the ball: Work hard defensively and help the team maintain its structure.
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Continue developing on both flanks: Build the positional awareness needed to perform different roles.
Balancing these responsibilities could help Ngumoha become a more complete winger as he gains experience.
Competition for Places Could Accelerate His Progress
Liverpool’s attacking options provide another challenge for Ngumoha. The arrival of Bradley Barcola during the summer has added to the competition in the forward line.
Rather than viewing competition as a disadvantage, Ngumoha believes it can benefit the squad, particularly because players who can operate on both wings offer greater flexibility.
For a teenager, competing with established attacking talent can demand patience, consistency and continued improvement. Opportunities may not always arrive immediately, making it important to take advantage of available minutes and demonstrate progress in training.
Ngumoha is also keeping his attention on football rather than allowing contract discussions to become a distraction. He explained that matters concerning his long-term contract were being handled by his agent.
His own priority is to play for Liverpool, perform well and help the club achieve positive results.
What Comes Next for Rio Ngumoha?
Ngumoha’s development will depend on how consistently he translates his training lessons into performances on the pitch.
Learning from Saka and Gordon has given him valuable examples of how top wingers approach their roles. Meanwhile, Iraola’s focus on direct attacking play, positional flexibility and defensive effort provides a framework for further improvement.
His ability to play on both sides could become a useful asset as Liverpool manage competition across their attacking positions.
There is still work ahead, but Ngumoha’s approach is encouraging: learn from experienced players, remain adaptable and focus on contributing to the team.
If he continues to develop those qualities, the young winger could strengthen his case for a more prominent role in Liverpool’s plans.
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