Liverpool's right-back hell fixed thanks to Rio Ngumoha

Rio Ngumoha has fixed Liverpool's right-back hell. We really, really didn't see that coming.

Liverpool have had a massive right-back problem this season. It's one with an easy fix, too, given Conor Bradley's injury situation.

The player has been out since January and it's unknown when he'll be back. But he is expected to play some role this season, so replacing him in the summer wasn't really a serious option.

Jeremie Frimpong was supposed to step up but it's become pretty clear that he isn't trusted at right-back. Arne Slot didn't like him there and now Andoni Iraola has come to the same conclusion - in big games, anyway.

That's led to Ronald Araujo, actually signed as a centre-back, playing right-back for most matches. He's not exactly a natural attacking threat on that side, which causes more problems.

Fortunately, Rio Ngumoha has fixed them.

Rio Ngumoha is the right-back fix

The problem with Araujo at right-back is the lack of a serious overlap. Opponents are completely fine with Liverpool’s attacks resulting in what is really a centre-back firing the ball into the box.

That overlap is all important for wingers who look to cut inside, though. Without it, they become very easy to play against - there isn’t an outside threat, so defenders can show the player down the line and cut off their drive inwards.

Fortunately, Rio Ngumoha showed everyone that things can be different. His display against Villarreal was fantastic, with the teenager constantly aiming for the byline and taking full advantage of the lack of an overlap.

This time, not having an overlapping defender was a bonus as it created an ocean of space for Ngumoha to drive towards. The centre of the pitch wasn’t an issue, either, as the midfielder can kick-on into the box as the full-back doesn’t need cover.

It’s the dream scenario - one that means Liverpool can solve their right-back problem and their right-wing problem without a signing. Ngumoha’s efforts to get to that byline, coupled with Araujo’s solidity at right-back, creates the environment for success.

And it’s one that seems to be working.