Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has heaped praise on youngster Ifeanyi Ndukwe following his impressive performances during pre-season but revealed that the Nigeria-eligible defender will have to go out on loan to continue his development.
Ndukwe, who is also eligible to represent Nigeria, joined the Reds from Austria Vienna at the start of the current summer window following an impressive display at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Since arriving at Anfield, the teenage central defender has started all of Liverpool's pre-season matches, showcasing his qualities against Sunderland, Wrexham, Leeds United and Monaco.
Despite his impressive performances, Ndukwe is currently unable to feature for Liverpool in competitive matches due to work permit issues, with Van Dijk suggesting that a loan move would be beneficial for the youngster's development.
Commenting on his performance, the former Southampton defender praised Ndukwe's potential and revealed that he had spoken briefly with the youngster.
"Obviously I saw the games in pre-season in America," Van Dijk said via Liverpool Echo.
"He's a big talent, big guy and he wants to learn and I had a brief conversation with him, especially in the last couple of days.
"For him it is just progressing. I know he has to go on loan I think so let's see where he ends up. Yeah [it's a shame he has to move on loan].
"I don't know exactly what the rules are but the matter of fact is that he has to go on loan and wherever he goes, he needs to learn, get better and be ready when he comes back to hopefully stay there."
Liverpool would need to secure a Governing Body Endorsement from the Football Association to help obtain a work visa from the Home Office, but Ndukwe does not currently meet the required criteria.
Players need to accumulate 15 points across several categories to qualify, while Ndukwe made only one senior appearance for Austria Vienna last season, leaving him short of the required points under the senior international criteria.
The youngster will now be keen to secure a suitable loan move where he can gain regular first-team experience and continue his development before returning to Liverpool.
Adeyemi Adewale
Photo Credit: liverpoolfc.com
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