Liverpool skipper admits his side still have a problem with conceding goals from set-pieces after Wolves made it a nervous second half at thanks to a strike that came from a corner
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool reacts during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Sunderland at Anfield
Virgil van Dijk says the second phase of some opposition set-pieces can be a real problem for Liverpool
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(Image: Getty)
Even though his team is up to fourth place in the Premier League table, has won three on the spin and is unbeaten in six, Arne Slot is only too willing to admit there is a fundamental problem. Indeed, the Liverpool manager is blunt in his assessment of a problem that has cost them 12 Premier League goals.
“Unfortunately, we are maybe the only team that hardly ever scores from a set-piece. And even worse, we constantly concede (from them),” he smiles.
Despite their relative resurgence, that is clearly an issue for Slot and Liverpool. And it is an issue that concerns their leader on the field and the man who runs the defence that allowed Wolves - through Santiago Bueno - to score from a corner-kick at Anfield, prompting a nervous finale to a win that should have been a formality after first half goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Florian Wirtz.
“We have defended so many set-pieces very well,” says Virgil van Dijk. “But the fact is we've conceded too many goals like that and it hurts. We have to improve that.
“It's about repetition, training, analysing..... it's something we have to improve. I'd say at least 75 per cent of the time - or even more - it's not even about the first contact, it's the second phase that is the killer.”
After Alisson had made a block, Bueno was the first to react in the second phase and Liverpool never got back into top gear. But they held on for another victory and, significantly, it was a win that featured a first Liverpool goal for Florian Wirtz, the £116million man.
Florian Wirtz of Liverpool celebrates
Florian Wirtz scored his first goal for Liverpool and it turned out to be a winner
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Van Dijk was one of the first to celebrate with the 22-year-old German and was clearly delighted for a team-mate who has struggled to live up to his reputation and price tag. But the Liverpool skipper also admitted Wirtz was still coming to terms with the pace and physicality of the Premier League.
Van Dijk explains: “He's getting used to playing for Liverpool and what we want to do as a team. He's getting used to the intensity.
"After about 70 minutes I think he had some cramp. It's part of the game. He just has to keep going. He is a very intelligent player who is so comfortable on the ball.
Liverpool's Dutch manager Arne Slot gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield
Arne Slot has admitted his Liverpool side has a problem defending set-pieces
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"He finds space between the lines and can be very important. He wants to be important in terms of goals and assists. The work rate he puts in and the chances he creates is what I think is even more important.
“I am really pleased for him. You saw the celebrations. Everyone is so happy for him. It was an important goal for us. I was very happy for him. He played a very good game. It's great to see and hopefully many more to come from him.”
The win means Liverpool are in fourth position in the Premier League and look primed for a New Year surge. But Van Dijk is keeping a lid on expectations, saying: “We just need to try to find consistency and wins.
Santiago Bueno celebrates his goal
Santiago Bueno pounced from a Wolves corner to make it a nervy second half for Liverpool
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"Let's see what the season brings. There are plenty of games to play. The FA Cup to come and the Champions League we also want to do well in.
"The only focus we should have is being in the best shape we can for the next game. It's an exciting challenge with so many games coming up.
"They will be difficult games, starting with Leeds, Fulham and then Arsenal. Let's embrace it and enjoy it.”
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