Rio Ferdinand agrees with Jamie Carragher with 'top drawer' verdict about Liverpool star

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Rio Ferdinand has delivered a clear message to Arne Slot following Rio Ngumoha's vital contribution in Liverpool's victory over Nottingham Forest . The Reds secured a 1-0 triumph against Forest in the Premier League on Sunday, courtesy of a stoppage-time strike from Alexis Mac Allister.

Mac Allister had found the net mere minutes from the final whistle, only for the strike to be disallowed for handball. The Argentina international got on the score sheet moments later to secure Liverpool three vital points.

Ngumoha was listed amongst the substitutes for Liverpool's journey to the City Ground and entered the action in the 77th minute when he came on for Mohamed Salah . The 17-year-old delivered an outstanding display for Liverpool in what marked just his ninth Premier League outing this campaign and fourth since the turn of the year.

Slot has additionally afforded Ngumoha game time in both of Liverpool's FA Cup fixtures so far this term, alongside two league phase encounters in the Champions League .

With Ngumoha influencing proceedings from the substitutes' bench yet again for Liverpool – having previously netted the decisive goal against Newcastle United in August – Ferdinand has issued a straightforward message of admiration regarding the attacker.

“Top drawer the kid Rio [Ngumoha] for Liverpool,” Ferdinand posted on X. “Changed the game for them.

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“A winger that wants to beat his man and deliver with a mix of speed and finesse.”

Ex-Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge echoed Ferdinand's praise for Ngumoha, urging Slot to give the young player more game time.

“Every time I watch Rio Ngumoha, he looks electric,” Sturridge posted on X. “Direct, fearless, always trying to affect the game. He deserves more minutes. Simple as that.”

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Jamie Carragher also highlighted the impact Ngumoha had coming off the bench in Liverpool's victory over Forest, similarly calling for the teenager to receive more chances with the Reds.

"Ngumoha did more in 15 minutes than Salah and [Cody] Gakpo did before that,” Carragher stated on Sky Sports . “He changed the game and needs to be starting games.

“There's no one better in getting last-minute winners in the Premier League - and that is Liverpool."