The youngster has been breaking records at Liverpool and could be rewarded with a start in the Champions League quarter-final tie
Virgil van Dijk has backed teenage forward Rio Ngumoha to handle the pressure of a potential Champions League start for Liverpool against Paris Saint-Germain.
Ngumoha has drawn attention after scoring in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Fulham, becoming the club’s youngest-ever league goalscorer at Anfield. At 17 years and 225 days, he surpassed the previous record held by Raheem Sterling.
The goal came at a key moment for Liverpool, who had recently been outplayed by Manchester City and PSG in cup competitions. With the team trailing 2-0 on aggregate heading into the Champions League quarter-final second leg, calls have grown for the teenager to start. Van Dijk believes Ngumoha is ready for the occasion.
“He would take it in his stride,” said Van Dijk. “He’s a humble kid who works hard and listens. He wants to improve constantly. He has big dreams. It’s down to him and the people around him to make sure that he stays like that. I’m not worried that anything will change on that front.”
Ngumoha had already made history earlier in the season, becoming Liverpool’s youngest goalscorer when he netted against Newcastle United at the age of 16. His latest milestone has increased expectations around his role in the run-in.
Van Dijk said the achievement should motivate the forward to keep improving.
“He’s taken the record from Raheem which is very nice for him and should motivate and push him even more,” said van Dijk. “You shouldn’t take things like that for granted and he won’t. He has to keep going. It’s down to the manager to decide the team and the game plan for Tuesday.
“Whether you start or not, everyone has to feel part of something special. That’s the thing we need to try and beat PSG.”
