Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has said it is important he keeps ‘pushing’ the club’s emerging young talent.
Jurgen Klopp has handed opportunities to a number of academy graduates in recent games, with several starlets given an opportunity amid the club’s injury problems.
Lewis Koumas and Jayden Danns both scored in the 3-0 win over Southampton in midweek, the first time Liverpool have had two players aged 18 or under score in the same fixture.
Trey Nyoni also became Liverpool’s third-youngest player after appearing as a second-half substitute and Van Dijk said he will take responsibility to ensure the emerging crop continue improving.
“It was a big night for all of them and they should really take it in, enjoy it, see it as a start and really use it in every way,” Van Dijk said, as per the BBC.
“They all have quality and all can play good football, but it is about showing your quality and it’s a start.
“For example, Trey at 16 years old, it is incredible.
“There will be so many ups and downs coming for him, but he has to take it in as players [are] maybe coming back in the next weeks and months and it could be difficult for him [to get in the squad].
“He has to keep pushing and the same for the rest of the young boys. That should be the mentality and I am sure they will do that.
“In my career, I’ve seen players who make their debuts after coming through the ranks and then disappear.
“Even learning from being around the first team is massive and you should soak it all in and don’t get carried away.
“They have to keep improving, keep working; staying humble is a very important thing but we have a great culture and I’m definitely one of the guys to make sure they keep doing that.”
