Arne Slot said Rio Ngumoha is ready to be thrown into any situation after scoring his first Anfield goal in a 2-0 win over Fulham on Saturday, which eased the rising pressure on the Liverpool boss.

The 17-year-old had already netted his first Premier League goal with a late winner away at Newcastle in Liverpool's second game of the season. Despite a difficult campaign, Slot has largely resisted the clamour to rely on Ngumoha as a game-changer. But he has started three of Liverpool's last eight games with Slot encouraged by his physical development and more end product.