'Bizarre': Arne Slot torn apart after what's he just said about Rio Ngumoha at Liverpool

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been slammed for his "bizarre" comments about Rio Ngumoha after concerns about his lack of playing time in recent weeks.

The 17-year-old enjoyed a strong start to the season at Anfield and earned high praise for his displays, but has played just 61 minutes across their last 16 league games.

His lack of playing time, combined with question marks surrounding Liverpool's other available wingers, have led to calls for Ngumoha to play more of an increased role in the side.

However, Slot refuted those suggestions as he shared: "Let's be clear, he's a special player that will have more playing time... But for a player playing for the Under-19 team of England, if everyone thinks he is so good, then he should be in a higher international team." [Mail]

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that the manager's quotes are both "bizarre" and "worrying" for the player's future.

Arne Slot slammed for Rio Ngumoha comments

Concerns about the performances and consistency of the likes of Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo in recent weeks have led to questions about the 17-year-old's role.

While he is till highly rated at Liverpool and by Slot, the public criticism of his level has been questioned as well as the impact it could have on the player.

"I thought the manager's comments were bizarre, to be honest," Brown told Football Insider.

"Even if he isn't necessarily wrong, maybe he feels Ngumoha needs more time to develop before he can be a first-team regular, it's strange to say that in public.

"The way it was worded, whether he meant it or not, came across as being overly harsh and a bit worrying when you're looking at the lad's ambitions.

"He came into the side at a time when Liverpool were struggling a bit and showed how good he can be, so for him to have played so few minutes, of course questions will be asked.

"He has a bright future, everybody says good things about him, I'm just concerned about why the manager was so critical of him publicly. It's a strange one for me."

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What is next for Mohamed Salah at Liverpool?

Despite questions now being asked about Ngumoha's place in the Liverpool squad, many still see him as the ideal long-term replacement for Salah.

Football Insider exclusively revealed on 15 February that Salah is expected to leave Liverpool come the summer despite his recent upturn in performances.

Sources say an exit is still likely going into the summer window, when he will have just a year left on the mega-money contract he signed last year.

The interest from the Saudi Pro League remains strong as they plan to make him the face of the money-spinning league to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, should he move on.

His performances at Anfield have not been up to his usual standard, while his public bust-up with Slot before AFCON has resulted in lingering tensions.