Meet Liverpool's rising star who can only play friendlies
The emergence of teenage defender Ifeanyi Ndukwe has been one of the main storylines of Liverpool's pre-season - but why can the 18-year-old only play friendly matches?
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"Big talent"
— Virgil van Dijk , Athlete
Key People
Andoni Iraola is a football manager who was a target for Crystal Palace.
Ibrahima Konate is a defender for Liverpool and a French international.
Ifeanyi Ndukwe is a young central defender from Austria.
Jeremy Jacquet is a new signing for Liverpool, playing as a centre-half.
Mor Talla Ndiaye is a young central defender from Senegal.
Virgil van Dijk is a Dutch professional football player who plays as a defender for Liverpool.
All Coverage
The emergence of teenage defender Ifeanyi Ndukwe has been one of the main storylines of Liverpool's pre-season - but why can the 18-year-old only play friendly matches?
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Inside Liverpool's increasing global investment in youth
Liverpool are becoming increasingly proactive in their search for global young talent. BBC Sport takes a closer look.
September 29, 2026 at 07:19 AMUSA's new breakout star? Sullivan living up to Premier League promise
Cavan Sullivan made his United States debut on Saturday aged just 16 - and produced a performance to show just why Manchester City moved to sign him.
September 27, 2026 at 11:14 AMLiverpool contenders for Schade - Thursday's gossip
Germany forward Kevin Schade is wanted by Liverpool, Erling Haaland and Phil Foden are among the Manchester City players drawing interest from Europe's top clubs, plus more.
September 30, 2026 at 08:16 PMInside Northern Ireland's football conveyor belt
BBC Sport NI spends the day at the IFA JD Academy Residential at Campbell College where Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill catches up with the young players hoping to graduate to a full-time career.
October 1, 2026 at 06:53 AMBellingham unlocks new level and potential to be 'one of the greatest'
Jude Bellingham's international future was being called into question a year ago, but now he is regarded as potentially one of England's "greatest of all time".
October 3, 2026 at 09:07 PMThe Premier League footballers studying to become sporting directors
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Taiwo Awoniyi and others have been juggling education with a football career - even studying on the team bus during away trips.
September 30, 2026 at 06:41 AM