Virgil van Dijk on Austrian prospect Ndukwe: "A great talent"

Ifeanyi Ndukwe has been getting significant playing time in Liverpool's pre-season.

After the 18-year-old was substituted on for the injured Joe Gomez against Sunderland after ten minutes, he played the full 90 minutes against Leeds United and Wrexham. The former Austria Wien player also played the first half for the "Reds" against AS Monaco (match report >>>) – alongside defensive leader Virgil van Dijk. After the match, he also had words of praise for the Austrian talent.

"He's a great talent, a big lad who wants to learn. We had good conversations. For him, it's about developing," said van Dijk. For now, however, Ndukwe won't be able to do that at Liverpool.

"Wherever he goes..."

The 18-year-old has not received a work visa for the United Kingdom because the centre-back has not yet accumulated the required 15 points for a "Governing Body Endorsement." Non-English players must present these points to be eligible to play matches in England.

Where Ndukwe will go is not yet known. Liverpool likely gave him so much playing time in pre-season to find the best possible loan destinations.

"Wherever he goes, he has to learn, get better, and be ready. So that when he comes back, he can stay here," van Dijk outlined.