Virgil van Dijk outlines priority for 'special talent' Rio Ngumoha after Wolves display

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But Van Dijk has called for calm amid the media hype surrounding the wingerVirgil van Dijk has looked to downplay the pressure on NgumohaVirgil van Dijk claimed Rio Ngumoha was “outstanding” in Liverpool’s victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday, but feels the teenager should only be focusing on continuing his gradual improvement.Ngumoha earned the Player-of-the-Match award after an impressive performance on just the fifth senior start of his career. The winger carried a constant threat from the left flank and completed more dribbles than anyone else on the pitch, while managing nine touches in the opposition area, more than double the next highest.While some may view Ngumoha’s display in the FA Cup victory as proof he is ready to play a bigger role for Arne Slot’s side, Van Dijk has called for calm, and said his priority should be on continuing his soccer education.READ MORE: Rob Edwards' verdict of Arne Slot's Liverpool side is good news for Reds fansREAD MORE: Arne Slot praises 'special' Rio Ngumoha and explains what changed for Liverpool winger“Very pleased [for him].

Obviously, we all see day in day out how much of a special talent he is, in terms of in one v ones, with the pace he drives at players,” the Liverpool captain told TNT Sports.“He's working hard, he's a good boy. He has to keep going and onto the next.”Ngumoha was outstanding in the win over Wolves(Image: AFP or licensors)The 3-1 win over Wolves in the FA Cup came just three days after the Premier League loss at Molinuex, a match Ngumoha started on the bench.Van Dijk, when asked what the difference was between those games, implied that Ngumoha's inclusion in the cup match was a huge factor.“The pace we kept playing.

He made life difficult for their right wing-back and right centre-back, at times.Liverpool earned an important win at Molineux(Image: 2026 Allstar)“We kept pushing. I think it was a very disappointing night [on Tuesday], especially a very disappointing last 20 minutes of the game,” Van Dijk added.“We had to make something right here and obviously the FA Cup is very important to us, especially this season.