Ngumoha provided two assists as Liverpool recovered from a two-goal deficit to win 4-3 at Anfield in the Champions League on Tuesday. The winger helped create goals for Ronald Araújo and Alexis Mac Allister, becoming the youngest Liverpool player to register an assist in European competition.
Van Dijk said the responsibility for helping young players did not fall on one individual, with several senior members of the squad contributing to their development. He specifically mentioned Cody Gakpo before explaining why working alongside Salah had been valuable for Ngumoha.
“A few of the more experienced players have helped him. I would say Cody Gakpo is definitely one of them. But everyone has that role, to help the younger players in the group, the players who don’t have so much experience. Everyone contributes,” Van Dijk said, according to ESPN.
“But the fact that he got to work with Mo (Salah) last year meant an incredible amount. Mo was one of the best wingers at the club and has experienced everything, so why not take in all that knowledge, show it on the pitch and at the same time show your own qualities?”
Salah left Liverpool during the summer, ending a lengthy spell at Anfield, but his influence on younger players remains a talking point as Ngumoha continues to establish himself.
The teenager’s display against Villarreal offered a particularly strong example of his attacking ability. His delivery helped Liverpool equalise before half-time, and his dribbling and cross created the third goal as the home side completed their comeback.
Van Dijk was impressed by the winger’s willingness to take on defenders and remain a threat throughout the match.
“He is electric at times and he showed that again. He was a constant threat, and their defenders had a tough time,” the Liverpool captain said.
Ngumoha’s two assists helped Liverpool turn a difficult evening into a memorable European win. His contribution also underlined how quickly he is gaining responsibility at senior level, while Van Dijk’s comments point to the influence of the experienced players who have helped him adapt.
The performance does not remove the challenges that come with developing at the highest level, but it gave Ngumoha another significant milestone and Liverpool further reason to believe in his potential.