Why now is the perfect time for Arne Slot to introduce 'incredible' Liverpool youngster - opinion

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Liverpool have been going very strongly under Arne Slot, although there was a slip-up against Fulham last time out.

Slot could turn to Liverpool youngsters against Southampton, who are up next for the Reds in Carabao Cup action.

Liverpool travel to St Mary's for a quarter-final clash, having just drawn 2-2 with Fulham in the Premier League at Anfield.

A point can, however, perhaps be viewed as a positive given that Andy Robertson was shown a red card after 17 minutes.

Suspensions, injuries and fatigue all mean Slot is very likely to mix things up against Southampton, with a busy festive period approaching.

Could Arne Slot hand Rio Ngumoha his Liverpool debut v Southampton?

Liverpool should be aiming for silverware across all competitions, but the Premier League and Champions League should take priority.

And that is just one reason why it is possible – but perhaps unlikely – that young star Rio Ngumoha may make his Liverpool debut against Southampton.

READ MORE:Liverpool must raid Southampton again to sign 'exceptional' player who can become Anfield favourite

The 16-year-old attacker arrived from Chelsea in September, and has been hugely impressive on Merseyside so far.

Ngumoha has been incredible in Liverpool under-21 training, with the attacker able to operate anywhere across the front line.

The teenager was then given the chance to impress Slot, with Ngumoha training with the Liverpool first team before the meeting with Aston Villa last month.

Why now is the perfect time for Arne Slot to introduce Rio Ngumoha

Even if Ngumoha doesn't make his Liverpool debut against the Saints, a first look in under Slot shouldn't be too far away.

The pressure has been taken off Slot somewhat thanks to his superb start, but also because he has expertly made it through a very tricky period involving matches against the likes of Manchester City and Real Madrid.

READ MORE:Rickie Lambert predicts surprise result for Liverpool in Carabao Cup clash vs Southampton

Moreover, star attackers such as Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz could undoubtedly do with a rest, while Diogo Jota is only just getting back to full fitness.

Having been training with the first team, Ngumoha will be well aware of what is expected of him and indeed what it takes to impress Slot.

Furthermore, aged just 16, he likely won't have any fear of taking on players more experienced than him, while there is the added bonus of Southampton really lacking in confidence after the sacking of Russell Martin.