Rio Ngumoha gives Andoni Iraola a Liverpool selection decision after inspiring Villarreal comeback

Two assists showed the different ways Ngumoha can create from the right, strengthening his case for another start when Brighton visit Anfield.

Rio Ngumoha gave Liverpool two different answers to the same problem against Villarreal: how to turn possession into a chance someone could finish.

For Ronald Araujo’s equaliser, he delivered towards the far post. For Alexis Mac Allister’s second, he carried the ball through challenges before supplying a close-range finish.

Those contributions helped Liverpool recover from two goals down to win 4-3. They also give Andoni Iraola something more useful than a general impression that the winger played well. Here were two examples of Ngumoha creating a clear opportunity through different decisions.

The selection argument follows from that variety. Liverpool have other attackers who can receive possession and combine around the penalty area. Ngumoha showed how he can alter the situation himself.

What Rio Ngumoha gave Liverpool from the right

As Liverpool’s official match report records, Ngumoha was an attacking outlet during an opening period in which the hosts had possession but did little to trouble Villarreal’s goalkeeper.

That distinction matters. Having the ball in the opposition half does not necessarily mean the defence is being asked difficult questions.

A winger who carries possession at an opponent can change that. The defender has to decide whether to close the space, retreat or seek help. Each response can affect the room available to a team-mate.

Ngumoha’s two assists illustrated the value of having more than one solution once those decisions have been forced.

For Araujo’s goal, the important action was the delivery. Liverpool needed someone to recognise and reach the far-post target. Ngumoha supplied the cross, allowing the defender to finish with his head.

The second assist required a different approach. Ngumoha beat challenges before finding Mac Allister near goal. This time, the run created the opening for the pass.

It would be too much to claim those two actions establish him as a complete creator. They do explain why simply describing him as a quick winger undersells what Liverpool gained.

Mac Allister’s movement made the second assist count

Ngumoha deserves credit for creating the opening, but the move also depended on Mac Allister arriving where he could use it.

The midfielder’s timing turned a dangerous run into a clear scoring opportunity. Liverpool had someone advancing with the ball and someone else moving to meet the delivery.

That is the partnership Iraola will want to reproduce. Asking Ngumoha to take on defenders is only part of the instruction. The players around him must offer a target once he gets beyond the first challenge.

There is a useful distinction between supporting a winger and crowding him. He needs passing options, but he also needs enough room to confront the defender. Tuesday’s decisive move offered evidence of how valuable the balance can be when Liverpool get it right.

Wirtz’s introduction also changed the game

Ngumoha was central to the comeback, but Liverpool’s second-half improvement cannot be attributed to him alone.

Iraola introduced Florian Wirtz for Araujo at the interval. Wirtz subsequently scored Liverpool’s fourth, collecting Cody Gakpo’s pass before finishing.

That matters when judging the selection implications. Ngumoha’s performance does not have to become an argument against Liverpool’s other attacking players. The match showed that he could contribute alongside them.

Wirtz added another threat, Gakpo supplied his goal and Mac Allister finished twice. Liverpool’s recovery depended on several players making the most of the openings that appeared.

The question for Iraola is how to retain that combination while giving the team greater protection. Conceding three goals meant this remained an uncomfortable victory despite the quality going forward.

Has Ngumoha earned another start against Brighton?

He has made a strong case.

With Szoboszlai and Frimpong unavailable through injury, Iraola is already managing changes to Liverpool’s usual options. Ngumoha’s performance provides a positive selection question within that disruption.

There are limits to the argument. Two assists do not settle every question about his defensive work, consistency or suitability against a different opponent. Brighton will present a separate test, and Liverpool must consider how the whole side functions.

But the burden of proof has shifted. Ngumoha has demonstrated a specific contribution from the right: he can deliver for a runner beyond the defence or beat opponents before finding someone closer to goal.

Iraola now has evidence that starting him can help Liverpool create chances. Keeping that threat in the side deserves serious consideration.