Can Ngumoha's X Factor Inspire Liverpool's Comeback Against PSG?

Liverpool's £440m summer investment has yet to yield the desired results, but a 17-year-old academy product has breathed new life into their fading season. The question now is whether this teenage sensation holds the key to a remarkable Anfield comeback against Paris Saint-Germain. With coach Arne Slot's future potentially hanging in the balance, Ngumoha's impressive display against Fulham has presented him with a selection dilemma. Ngumoha, who became Liverpool's youngest Premier League goalscorer at Anfield, was instrumental in a performance that has rekindled hope in their bid to secure a Champions League spot for next season. Liverpool has tightened its grip on fifth place, which could be enough to guarantee a spot in next season's competition. Despite his stellar showing in only his second Premier League start, Jamie Redknapp believes Ngumoha might be more effective as a substitute against PSG. 'If Slot did start him, I wouldn't be surprised,' Redknapp said. 'I think right now, when I'm trying to pick Liverpool's best team for a huge game, I like the midfield that ended up with Mac Allister, Gravenberch, and Szoboszlai. That midfield has a bit of everything and was instrumental in Liverpool's league win last year.' Redknapp suggested that if Hugo Ekitike starts as the No 9, Florian Wirtz might be needed on the left side, with Mohamed Salah on the right. 'That feels like a nice shape, reminiscent of last year. You've got Alexander Isak to come off the bench if needed, and then Rio to provide an X factor. If you can stay in the game, you don't have to win it in the first 20 minutes, but you can certainly lose it. It might be a game where you bring those two players on towards the end, and that might just get you a goal and lift the crowd.' Redknapp, who has known Ngumoha since he was seven, also shared insights into the young player's rise. 'The potential was obvious; everybody could see it. He had a natural X factor. At Chelsea, he used to train with my youngest son, and it was staggering to see. His brother played a big part in his development, doing one-on-one coaching with him. I've never seen a kid with such fast feet, but it was all about repetition.' Ngumoha left Chelsea at 16 to join Liverpool and initially struggled to settle. However, this year, he has forced his way into the first team squad and is now thriving. 'He's enjoying it, and it's a great environment. He's got to keep his head on his shoulders and keep working hard. He's got experienced players like Andy Robertson around him. I'm delighted for him; he's a really good young man, and it's amazing to see him.'