Virgil van Dijk has advised Liverpool’s young guns to ‘stay humble’ on their path to stardom.
Teenagers Jayden Danns and Lewis Koumas opened their accounts for Jurgen Klopp’s side during Wednesday’s FA Cup fifth-round win over Southampton.
The pair’s maiden goals arrived in a week where the Reds’ academy crop had been catapulted in the spotlight after also winning the Carabao Cup final in extra-time.
But Van Dijk, who scored the winner at Wembley, cautioned his new teammates of the challenges that will lie ahead as they seek to build on an impressive starts.
He said: “It was a big night for all of them and they should really take it in and enjoy it and see it as a start and really use it in every way.
“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 [Nyoni] 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.”
Van Dijk also revealed that he enjoyed the trappings of winning his first trophy as Liverpool captain by taking the Carabao Cup home after returning to Merseyside.
“I wanted to show my kids in person, close up,” he admitted.
“I put it on the kitchen counter when I came home and left it there. I’ve got four kids and they were so happy to see it
“And then I took it back to training the next day so everyone could take a picture with it at the AXA (training centre) as they have all played their part in the success we have had and they deserve to be holding the trophy.”