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Virgil van Dijk has told Rio Ngumoha that he must stay grounded after his dream Premier League debut at St. James' Park on Monday.
The 16-year-old scored a dramatic winner for Liverpool in the 100th minute, shattering Newcastle hearts after the 10-man Magpies had fought back from a 2-0 deficit to level the score. Arne Slot's Reds seemed to have the game under control when goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike put them two goals ahead and a man up early in the second half, with Anthony Gordon being sent off just before half-time.
However, Bruno Guimaraes managed to pull one back, and Will Osula thought he had salvaged a point before fellow substitute Ngumoha stole the show, securing a 3-2 win.
"It's a dream debut for him," Van Dijk told Sky Sports. "I think that whole attack was quite good. I think Harvey [Elliott] started it on our right-hand side and Fede [Chiesa] did the dummy. It was a perfect attack. We stayed calm at the end to find the right solution to score the goal.
"I'm very pleased for Rio, I've said it to him already it all starts now, he has to keep working hard and stay humble but definitely have to enjoy this because these nights, you can't take them for granted if you're in his position. I'm sure with the players we have he will be back in training and having a hard session tomorrow again."
It marked the second consecutive match where Liverpool had surrendered a two-goal advantage.
Bournemouth had mounted a comeback on the opening day, with Antoine Semenyo netting twice, before late strikes from Chiesa and Mo Salah secured Liverpool's triumph.
Slot's side had also shipped twice in the Community Shield, as Crystal Palace levelled on two occasions before prevailing on penalties.
Last season, Liverpool didn't concede four league goals until late October, and the club's manager acknowledged the concerning defensive start.
"if you want to be where we want to be at the end of the season, you have to start keeping clean sheets," Slot told BBC Sport. "We've conceded too many goals, but we have scored too."
A fresh center-back might provide the solution.
Teenage prospect Giovanni Leoni arrived from Parma just before the new campaign began but remained an unused substitute on Monday as he awaits his debut, while speculation persists over a potential late swoop for Marc Guehi.
Crystal Palace skipper Guehi has featured in every Eagles game this term but enters the final year of his deal.
He could still depart if an appropriate bid materializes, but not before Thursday's Conference League play-off second leg against Fredrikstad.
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