Liverpool information: Arne Slot opens up on ‘risk’ as Micky van de Ven linked with switch
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has discussed Rio Ngumoha’s chances of starting against Tottenham while the Reds have been linked with a cut-price move for Micky van de Ven
Arne Slot spoke to the media ahead of their Tottenham clash
Liverpool will be looking to bounce back from their Champions League setback this weekend when they welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Anfield. The Reds fell to a 1-0 defeat away at Galatasaray on Tuesday night in the opening leg of their last 16 encounter.
Arne Slot will now be concentrating on ensuring Liverpool push for the Champions League spots to guarantee their participation in next season’s tournament. A damaging loss to relegation-threatened Wolves in their previous league outing did nothing to aid their ambitions.
Whilst the Reds’ campaign has been marred by inconsistency, the reigning Premier League champions have found cause for encouragement through the displays of young winger Rio Ngumoha.
Slot addresses ‘possibility’
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Slot has not dismissed the chance of Ngumoha being handed a start against Spurs at Anfield on Sunday. Ngumoha has featured 18 times for the Reds this campaign, though has been mainly restricted to brief substitute appearances, reports the Mirror.
The ex-Chelsea academy graduate has caught the eye in outings against Nottingham Forest and West Ham, plus in the FA Cup triumph over Wolves. Nevertheless, Slot chose not to give Ngumoha a place in his starting lineup against Galatasaray.
Speaking ahead of the clash with Spurs, Slot hinted at the youngster’s potential involvement this weekend, describing him as merely one ‘option’ for the Reds. He said: “It’s not that we think so far ahead for his career but we have treated him carefully, I have said that before.
“He cannot be too many days on the pitch because of stress fractures, players at this club have had that but Rio can start for us. I said he would get more playing time and we saw that so he is an option to start one of the upcoming three games.”
Premier League rival raid
Liverpool have been linked with securing Micky van de Ven at a bargain price should Tottenham face relegation this season. Igor Tudor’s team find themselves in a precarious spot just above the drop zone, and a loss at Anfield could send them outfit tumbling further into trouble.
The Dutch centre-back has emerged as one of the club’s few shining lights this campaign and, after missing out on Marc Guehi to Man City, the Reds might target him to strengthen their defensive ranks this summer.
Ex-Liverpool midfielder Jason McAteer reckons the defender could be available if Spurs go down and trigger a player exodus. Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, he said: “There are a couple out there, but Micky van de Ven seems to be [on the market].
“It will be interesting to see how it develops at Tottenham because if they do go down, they will be looking to offload players, and Liverpool might nick him for a little bit cheaper.”
