In a recent interview, Liverpool manager Arne Slot addressed questions about why Hugo Ekitike and Rio Ngumoha have not been starting on the left wing.
Slot explained that Ekitike’s limited appearances in that position are largely due to the situation with Alexander Isak. The Swedish forward has either been unavailable or not consistently starting, which has influenced Slot’s tactical decisions regarding wing selection.
As for Rio Ngumoha, the manager highlighted that the young English talent has already accumulated significant playing time for a 17-year-old, more than any of his peers at other Premier League clubs. Slot described this as a positive sign for the player’s development, emphasizing that gradual integration into the first team is important at such a young age.
Slot also reassured fans that Cody Gakpo is not disadvantaged by a lack of competition in his position. According to Slot, having capable alternatives around ensures that players can maintain confidence while being assured of regular minutes when selected.
Ultimately, the manager stressed that creating an environment where players feel secure about their playing time fosters both confidence and understanding, which is vital for performance and growth
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