Liverpool information: Virgil van Dijk speaks out on Rio Ngumoha as teenager agrees switch
Liverpool beat Wolves 3-1 in the FA Cup with 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha earning Man of the Match as captain Virgil van Dijk spoke out on the youngster
Virgil van Dijk spoke out on Rio Ngumoha(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside, Offside via Getty Images)
Liverpool took revenge for a Premier League defeat by beating Wolves 3-1 in the FA Cup on Friday. Teenager Rio Ngumoha caught the eye with an impressive display.
Arne Slot’s team cruised into the FA Cup quarter-finals at Molineux, netting three second-half strikes following a sluggish opening 45 minutes on Friday night. The Reds had suffered a 2-1 defeat against Wolves in the Premier League on Tuesday.
Ngumoha, who is just 17, was named the Player of the Match for his showing in the cup tie, with captain Virgil van Dijk offering him glowing praise. Here, the Daily Star Sport delivers the latest updates from Anfield, including news of a goalkeeper exit.
Virgil van Dijk on Rio Ngumoha
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Liverpool captain Van Dijk spoke to TNT Sports following the final whistle against Wolves and was asked about youngster Ngumoha. The teenager joined Merseyside in the summer of 2024 from Chelsea’s academy setup.
The Dutch centre-back was full of admiration for Ngumoha, revealing his genuine nature through his remarks. He confessed: “Great win. I think it was a very disappointing night [on Tuesday], especially a very disappointing last 20 minutes of the game, and we had to make something right here.
“Obviously we all see day in, day out how special [a] talent he [Ngumoha] is in terms of one-v-ones and the pace he drives at players. He’s working hard, he’s a good boy and we are looking after him.
“We speak to him constantly and he needs to keep learning, keep soaking it all up and take it into his progress. [Friday] was a good day for him. Nothing more, nothing less. He has to keep going.”
Youth goalkeeper departs
Away from the first team, the exit of young goalkeeper Fabian Mrozek was confirmed earlier this week, with the keeper sharing a snap on social media sporting his new kit.
The 22-year-old has signed with Major League Soccer’s FC Cincinnati on loan for the rest of the season. The deal is initially a loan agreement with an option to buy included. He will fill an international roster spot.
Mrozek joined Liverpool’s academy in August 2020 from FC Wroclaw. He made 60 appearances across all competitions for the Reds at U18, U19 and U21 levels and has been on the bench for the first team six times.
The Polish talent has represented his country at U15 and U16 levels. He spent the latter half of 2024 playing for Swedish top-tier club IF Brommapojkarna.
Gravenberch signs new deal
Ryan Gravenberch has committed his long-term future to Liverpool after signing a new six-year contract. Gravenberch has become a mainstay of the team under Arne Slot.
The Dutch midfielder, who has made 123 appearances for Liverpool, has put pen-to-paper on a deal set to run until the end of the 2031-32 campaign.
He said: “I feel really, really good. I was really proud to extend my contract at such a big club. So, I’m really happy that I can stay for many more years.
“I felt directly the trust from the club, also from the manager. The decision for me was easy to make. My family is also happy here. We are now here almost three years, so I know everything already. I’m happy that I’m here.”
