Liverpool news as Virgil van Dijk sends message to Rio Ngumoha and loan agreed

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Virgil van Dijk lavished praise on Rio Ngumoha after the 17-year-old won Player of the Match in Liverpool's 3-1 FA Cup victory over Wolves at Molineux on Friday

Virgil van Dijk has praised Rio Ngumoha(Image: TNT Sports)

Liverpool secured 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 intelligent display. Arne Slot's players cruised into the FA Cup quarterfinals at Molineux, netting three second-half goals following a quiet opening 45 minutes on Friday. The Reds had suffered a 2-1 defeat to Wolves in the Premier League on Tuesday, leaving them sixth in the standings.

Ngumoha, who is just 17, received the Player of the Match accolade for his showing in the cup tie, and captain Virgil van Dijk has heaped praise upon him. Liverpool.com brings you the latest from Anfield, including news of an academy goalkeeper's exit.

Van Dijk on Ngumoha

Liverpool captain Van Dijk spoke to TNT Sports following the final whistle against Wolves and was questioned about young Ngumoha. The youngster joined the club on Merseyside in the summer of 2024 from Chelsea's academy.

The Dutch defender was full of praise for Ngumoha, revealing his true character through his words. He said: "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.

Ngumoha hit Liverpool's winner at Newcastle earlier this season(Image: Getty Images)

"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

Beyond the first team, the exit of young goalkeeper Fabian Mrozek was announced earlier this week, with the shot-stopper sharing a photograph on social media wearing his new kit.

The 22-year-old has moved to Major League Soccer side FC Cincinnati on loan for the remainder of the campaign. The arrangement is initially temporary with an option to buy included.

He will take up an international roster spot.

Mrozek arrived at Liverpool's academy in August 2020 from FC Wroclaw.

He featured 60 times across all competitions for the Reds at U18, U19 and U21 levels and has been named as a substitute for the senior side on six occasions.

The Polish stopper has turned out for his nation at U15 and U16 levels. He spent the latter half of 2024 playing for Swedish top-flight side IF Brommapojkarna.