There were strong performances all across the pitch in Liverpool’s dominant display over Wolves, which saw The Reds progress to the FA Cup quarter final after a 3-1 win.
It’s hard to narrow it down, but here are three players who stood out for Liverpool on the night.
1. Rio Ngumoha
Ngumoha offers something truly unique in this squad by being its fastest natural winger (assuming Jeremie Frimpong would be considered a right back) and comfortable taking on his man either side. He’s skillful, confident, and tested Wolves’ defence throughout the game.
He beats his man almost every time once he pulls out the stepovers, and it usually leads to a corner or half chance at the very least.
With Wolves dropping so deep, it allowed Ngumoha space to run at the defence and cause problems. Nothing that resulted in a goal or assist, but he still shone on the night, and of course, is doing remarkably well for someone his age.
I don’t think he’ll feature a lot more this season or indeed next, as it is clear the club is trying to ensure they don’t do a repeat of what they did with Stefan Bajcetic (destroying a youngster’s legs before they turn 20).
It’s not a case of whether or not he is more effective than Cody Gakpo (for what’s it’s worth, if both played every game, I still think the Dutchman would produce more G/A), but waiting until his body is developed enough to be starting every week in the brutal and physical nature of the Premier League.
Anyway, that display will do wonders for his confidence going forward, which already seems high. He was given man of the match by the BBC too.
2. Andy Robertson
A great hit by someone who is possibly the club’s worst finisher aside from Joe Gomez! He did the right thing by striking the ball low and hard and it was unstoppable.
Again, by dropping so deep, Wolves left themselves exposed to long shots, but they were probably more wary of a Dominik Szbobszlai strike range than one from Robbo.
Not only did he score, he also put in a great cross for Mo Salah to get himself an assist. Not much defending to do, but as we saw on Tuesday, you have to stay switched on no matter how much you are dominating, and he did that.
Robertson has not played as much this season, and has publicly acknowledged that Milos Kerkez is the future. But the Scotsman’s performances are vastly improved from last season, and I can’t help but wonder if the increased rotation has helped him, although he could just simply be playing better than he was in 24/25.
A real fan favourite, this season will probably be his last, but that was a pretty memorable performance.
3. Curtis Jones
Also scored a really nice goal, this one on his weak foot. Generally did a solid job of controlling the midfield, winning his battles, and keeping hold of the ball.
Jones hasn’t featured as much lately, possibly related to transfer speculation around him - but I’d hope not.
He’s the club’s only local first team player at this point, and someone who fits into Slot’s style of play really nicely, with his tenacious pressing and comfort on the ball when being pressed. Technically, he is a joy to watch when he is in that kind of form.
Sometimes, I think he overdoes it a bit with the dribbling, but not this time. It was good to see him take on the shot, and he curled it round the defender beautifully.
If Slot’s men are going to try and sustain a cup run, as well as going far in the Champions League and battling for a top five spot, Jones will be a very important part of the squad, so hopefully he can carry that form forward, and whatever was keeping him out the side has been resolved.