Liverpool news: Van Dijk’s message to Ngumoha as loan deal agreed | Football | Sport
Liverpool secured revenge for a Premier League defeat by triumphing 3-1 over Wolves in the FA Cup on Friday. Youngster Rio Ngumoha caught the eye with an intelligent display as Arne Slot’s team comfortably progressed to the quarter-finals at Molineux, with the team coming through despite a quiet opening 45 minutes.
The Reds had suffered a 2-1 defeat to Wolves in the league on Tuesday. Ngumoha, who is just 17, received the Player of the Match accolade for his efforts in the cup tie and skipper Virgil van Dijk has lavished praise upon him. Here, Express Sport delivers the latest from Anfield, including the exit of an academy goalkeeper.
Virgil van Dijk on Rio Ngumoha
Liverpool captain Van Dijk spoke TNT Sports following the final whistle against Wolves and fielded a question regarding young Ngumoha. The teenager joined Merseyside during the summer of 2024 from Chelsea’s academy setup.
The Dutch centre-back couldn’t praise Ngumoha highly enough, demonstrating his genuine character through his remarks. 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.
“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.”
Beyond the first team, the exit of young goalkeeper Fabian Mrozek was announced earlier this week, with the shot-stopper sharing an image on social media wearing his new kit.
The 22-year-old has signed for Major League Soccer outfit FC Cincinnati on loan for the rest of the campaign. The arrangement is initially a temporary deal with an option to buy included.
He will fill an international roster position.
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 level and has been named on the substitutes’ bench for the senior side on six occasions.
The Polish talent has represented his nation at U15 and U16 level. He spent the latter half of 2024 playing for Swedish top-flight side IF Brommapojkarna.
