'If he's at their level' - Arne Slot names three players Ngumoha is looking up to at Liverpool

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has praised Rio Ngumoha's attitude and willingness to improve, stressing that the talented forward benefits from training alongside some of the club's biggest stars, including Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa.

On Thursday, the Premier League champions confirmed that the England youth international of Nigerian descent has signed his first professional contract with the club, a year after his arrival from Chelsea.

It's a reward for the dual national player, who is regarded as one of the brightest talents at the club, having made his debuts in the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Champions League.

Slot noted that Ngumoha might not have the same level of humility at a smaller club, where his talent could already make him one of the standout performers.

Speaking in his press conference on Friday ahead of his side's trip to Selhurst Park, the Dutch tactician said, according to the BBC: "The good thing is, if you're a youngster playing at Liverpool, there are players that you are playing with that are still better than you are and I think that helps you stay grounded and know there are still steps to make.

"If you are playing for a club at a lower level and you are as good as Rio, maybe you belong to the best players in the team and that can lead to maybe a situation where he isn't as grounded as he should be but here that is not a problem at all."

Slot singled out Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa as vital examples for Ngumoha to follow.

"He is a player that constantly wants to improve, but if you train and play with players like Cody Gakpo, Mo Salah and Federico Chiesa, I think he feels there is still a step to make.

"If he is at their level, then it’s about being as consistent as these players are – and that is the most difficult thing.

"To become really good is something a lot of players can achieve, but to be consistently really good is why the top players stand out.”

Following a strong pre-season showing, Ngumoha was brought into the first team and has appeared in every matchday squad announced by Slot this season, eight in total.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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