Rio Ngumoha has impressed since making his first-team debut for Liverpool, earning admiration from supporters.
He has broken several records, including becoming the club’s youngest goalscorer when he netted the winner in the 3-2 win at Newcastle United in August.
Ngumoha has enjoyed limited game time since then, putting manager manager Arne Slot under scrutiny.
However, Ngumoha remains grateful for the opportunities he has been given and has explained how Slot is helping him develop.
He said via the BBC: “The manager is very important to me and he helps me a lot. We might have a meeting after training and he tells me how well I am doing, to keep going, showing me clips. All of that is important and helpful.
“I think it has gone really well. I am learning a lot every day playing and training with some of the best players in the world. I can’t ask for much more as a young kid.
“So I just think I need to carry on proving, working hard in training and showing what I can do to the manager.”
Slot should start Ngumoha against West Ham United
Ngumoha shone as substitute in Liverpool’s 1-0 victory at Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
He completed two take-ons, the second highest of any Liverpool player and seventh highest in the Premier League across matchday 27.
More impressively, he registered one key pass and created one big chance — the same as Mohamed Salah and more than Cody Gakpo — despite playing fewer minutes.
Slot should give Ngumoha his first league start against West Ham on Saturday, considering Salah and Gakpo’s poor form.
The youngster’s directness, pace and flair would help against the Hammers, who are likely to play with a low block.
Ngumoha has created more chances from open play and has a higher expected assists per 90 in the league than Salah and Gakpo, underlining his growth.
Slot must now begin to show more faith in the England youth international as the season enters its decisive phase.
Stats from bbc.com, dailymail.com and sodascore.com