Virgil van Dijk has stated Rio Ngumoha would "take it in his stride" if named in Liverpool's starting line-up for the Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain this week.
The Reds entertain the holders on Tuesday evening aiming for an unlikely comeback having been soundly beaten 2-0 at the Parc des Princes last Wednesday.
While PSG were afforded a weekend off after the French authorities controversially agreed to postpone their Ligue Un clash with title rivals Lens, a much-changed Liverpool beat Fulham 2-0 at Anfield on Saturday evening.
Ngumoha, making only his second Premier League start, succeeded Raheem Sterling in becoming the Reds' youngest-ever goalscorer in the competition at Anfield by netting the opener before having a hand in Mohamed Salah notching the second shortly afterwards.
An impressive performance from the 17-year-old left winger has increased calls for him to remain in the side for the showdown with PSG.
And of that prospect, Liverpool skipper Van Dijk said: "He would take it in his stride. It's down to the manager to decide the team and the gameplan for Tuesday.
"Whether you start or not, everyone has to feel part of something special. That's the thing we need to try and beat PSG.
"He's a humble kid who works hard and listens. He wants to improve constantly. He has big dreams. It's down to him and the people around him to make sure that he stays like that. I'm not worried that anything will change on that front.
"He's taken the record from Raheem which is very nice for him and should motivate and push him even more. You shouldn't take things like that for granted and he won't. He has to keep going."
Andy Robertson announced on Thursday he was leaving at the end of the season on a free transfer after nine years at Anfield, and was given a rousing reception from the home crowd on only his seventh Premier League start this campaign.
And of the left-back, Van Dijk said: "Very special. He's always been on my left-hand side on the pitch. Off the pitch we also have such a good relationship.
"We've been through so many things together - highs, lows. He's a special character. Above all, he's been an unbelievable player and still is in my opinion. One of the best left-backs in the Premier League ever.
"The club is definitely going to miss him, but we still have the last part of the season to play and then we'll see what happens in the summer."
Saturday was also the first home game since Salah similarly confirmed last month that he will depart in the summer, and Van Dijk believes it is imperative the current squad begins to assume more responsibility with so many experienced players soon to exit.
"It's not an opportunity, it's a must," said the Holland international. "It has to happen. There was always going to be a time when the oldies were going to leave.
"All good things come to an end eventually. That's the time for others to step up and carry the torch and the values of the club forward by setting the right example.
"Maybe need to grow into that role. When the leadership group is gone then others have to step up. There is no other option. You have to feel that responsibility."
Seat Unique offers hospitality packages for Liverpool's Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain, including 'premium' seats and complimentary food and drink.
