“He’s not afraid to go at players” - Robbie Fowler delivers verdict after watching Liverpool player for ‘first time’ vs Accrington Stanley
Liverpool icon Robbie Fowler has credited Rio Ngumoha for his fearlessness after the latter impressed during their 4-0 win over Accrington Stanley. The Reds were victorious in the third round of the FA Cup at Anfield (January 11).
The Reds signed Rio Nguhoma from Chelsea's academy over the summer. He quickly impressed and was called up to train with the first team by Arne Slot at the start of November.
The English prospect was handed a full debut against Accrington Stanley, starting down the left wing, on Saturday. Ngumoha became the youngest Liverpool player to make an appearance in the FA Cup at the age of 16 years, four months, and 13 days.
Nguhoma looked lively during the Reds' win, never showing any hesitation in taking a player on with the ball. During half-time, Fowler told ITV (via Rousing the Kop):
“This is the first time I’ve seen him in the flesh. It is refreshing, you get a young kid and he’s not afraid to want the ball in tight situations and he’s not afraid to go at players, which is very different in the modern game. He’s got the confidence to run at players whether it’s one or two.”
The former Chelsea star completed 16 passes from an attempted 18 with an accuracy of 89 percent and completed three dribbles from seven (43 percent accuracy), as per FotMob. He was replaced by Jayden Danns in the 72nd minute who went on to score Liverpool's third of the game.
"The more I see him, the more I think he’s not a Liverpool player" - Robbie Fowler makes honest admission on star ahead of Accrington Stanley win
Prior to the Reds' impressive 4-0 FA Cup win against Accrington Stanley, Robbie Fowler admitted he doesn't believe Darwin Nunez is a Liverpool player. He reckons the Uruguayan's excellent work-rate isn't enough, citing his lack of goals as a major concern.
Nunez had a decent first two seasons under Jurgen Klopp but has struggled to stamp his authority on the pitch under Arne Slot's tutelage. The 25-year-old has scored four goals and provided four assists in 26 appearances across all competitions this season.
Many fans, including Fowler, have started to lose patience with Nunez. As per the aforementioned source, he said:
“The more I see him, the more I think he’s not a Liverpool player. People might have go at me for saying this and say ‘oh he works hard,’ but you’re not signing a player because he works hard, that should be a pre-requisite. You’ve got to come in and score goals and I know he’s a fan favourite but at the time we’re talking now you’ve got to play better and do better in a Liverpool shirt.”
Nunez started against Accrington Stanley, providing the assist for Diogo Jota in the 29th minute to break the deadlock. However, he once again struggled in front of goal, missing two big chances.
