Virgil van Dijk sends clear instruction to Rio Ngumoha as true colors confirmed

Virgil van Dijk says Rio Ngumoha would handle a Champions League start against Paris Saint-Germain, as the Liverpool captain insists younger players must replace departing stars like Salah and Robertson

Virgil van Dijk has reacted to Rio Ngumoha's superb display (Image: Getty Images)

Virgil van Dijk has declared that Rio Ngumoha would "take it in his stride" if handed a starting berth in Liverpool's line-up for the Champions League encounter against Paris Saint-Germain this week.

The Reds host PSG on Tuesday, seeking an improbable turnaround after being comprehensively defeated 2-0 at the Parc des Princes last Wednesday. While PSG enjoyed a weekend's rest after French authorities controversially sanctioned the postponement of their Ligue 1 fixture against title rival Lens, a heavily rotated Liverpool side dispatched Fulham 2-0 at Anfield on Saturday.

Ngumoha, making only his second Premier League start, surpassed Raheem Sterling to become the Reds' youngest-ever goalscorer in the competition at Anfield by netting the opener, before playing a role in Mohamed Salah adding the second shortly afterward.

The 17-year-old left winger's commanding display has intensified calls for him to retain his place in the side for the showdown with PSG. Addressing that possibility, Liverpool captain Van Dijk said: "He would take it in his stride.

"It's down to the manager to decide the team and the gameplan 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."

Confirming Ngumoha's true colors, Van Dijk added: "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.

Ngumoha scored against Fulham(Image: Getty Images)

"I'm not worried that anything will change on that front. He's taken the record from Raheem, which is very nice for him and should motivate and push him even more. You shouldn't take things like that for granted, and he won't. He has to keep going."

Andy Robertson confirmed on Thursday that he would be departing at the end of the season on a free transfer after nine years at Anfield, receiving a rousing reception from the home supporters on just his seventh Premier League start of the campaign.

Speaking about the left-back, Van Dijk said: "Very special. He's always been on my left-hand side on the pitch. Off the pitch we also have such a good relationship. We've been through so many things together — highs, lows. He's a special character.

"Above all, he's been an unbelievable player and still is in my opinion. One of the best left-backs in the Premier League ever. The club is definitely going to miss him, but we still have the last part of the season to play and then we'll see what happens in the summer."

Saturday also marked the first home fixture since Mohamed Salah similarly confirmed that he will leave in the summer, and Van Dijk believes it is crucial that the current squad begins to shoulder greater responsibility as so many seasoned players prepare to depart.

"It's not an opportunity, it's a must," said the defender. "It has to happen. There was always going to be a time when the oldies were going to leave.

"All good things come to an end eventually. That's the time for others to step up and carry the torch and the values of the club forward by setting the right example.

"Maybe need to grow into that role. When the leadership group is gone then others have to step up. There is no other option. You have to feel that responsibility."