Steven Gerrard believes it is time for Arne Slot to deploy Rio Ngumoha from the off after the Liverpool youngster impressed once again from the bench against Wolves.
Ngumoha was brought on in the 65th minute for Cody Gakpo at Molineux as the Reds slipped to a shock 2-1 defeat against Rob Edwards' side on Tuesday.
Mohamed Salah had quickly cancelled out Rodrigo Gomes's 78th-minute opener, only for Andre to strike home the winner in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time.
Indeed, Liverpool have now lost five Premier League games thanks to 90th minute goals this season, the most ever by a team in a single campaign.
But one positive was the performance of Ngumoha, who again staked his claim for a starting spot over Gakpo and Salah after another ineffective showing from the pair.
Ngumoha created more chances (two) and completed more dribbles (two) than both Salah and Gakpo combined, leaving Gerrard dumbfounded as to why he was not starting.
"For 65 minutes Liverpool were desperate tonight, really poor, didn't create enough, didn't play at the right speed or the right tempo, didn't have enough quality," Gerrard said.
"[Slot] has to start Ngumoha. He has to start him because he's coming on, and he's doing more in a short cameo in a short space of time than Gakpo's doing in 65, 70 minutes.
"He deserves to start now. He's got to start the kid on Friday night [in the FA Cup]."
Liverpool's defeat could prove to be a pivotal result in the race for the Champions League spots, with the Reds missing the chance to break into the top four.
A victory would have put them level on points with Manchester United and Aston Villa, the latter of whom play Chelsea on Thursday, who are three points behind Liverpool.
But Gerrard's frustrations stemmed from a blunt first-half display that saw Liverpool register an expected goals (xG) total of just 0.26 from the six shots they had.
"The first half [against Wolves] was a complete waste from a Liverpool point of view," said Gerrard.
"No urgency, no ball speed change when you got into the final third of the pitch, there wasn't much quality or penetration."
Fesadeilnt
0
Slot got rid of Luis Díaz because.... he thought that GOPKO he's county man is better than Luis..... you overrated coach..... nobody wants to play for you, except the dutch guys..... why? slot, keep insisting on Salah... he's finished.... Liverpool get rid of this coach!
kaoabilmtu
0
i agree..slot sucks..he played gakpo becoz they both dutch.gakpo is useless
rumiklmryz
1
Slot is the main reason Liverpool is suffering, poor selection, bad tactics, wrong formation, late changes, knowing very well that some of the players are tired and not performing well changing them becomes problem for him. ………. I think he needs to go.
wepabltuy
0
And another mistake by media that Slot followed. This young lad is amazing, but still can't undersrand game play and contribute to passes. Top 3 players in key passes are Sobo, Salah, and Gakpo. I would never leave them out of pitch under any circumstances, but we will leave it to genious Slot to see where the team will end.
leslarsingapore
1
sack slot and bench gakpo
faneimpy
2
foolish Arne slot you can not manage Liverpool get out from Liverpool please
darkxiao
2
Gakpo denying his own teammates goal has to be funniest moment of epl this season 😂😂
boeabilnoz
1
11
razorblast12
2
Slot has to drop Salah and gakpo especially Gakpo but he doesn't do anything on the pitch, selling Dias for your country brother is crazy
lbcrna
1
why not drop Salah
Kevin201
2
Chiesa, Chiesa, Chiesa, Chiesa, Chiesa. That Gakpo is shit. Salah is no longer sharp. Let Chiesa play more. Arne Sl*t doesn't see Chiesa in the club. I wonder why.
EMMAOBILU
3
Arne Slot is a mistake to Liverpool. He should be sack. idiotic coach