Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk discussed internal talks, while Arne Slot hailed the impact of one man
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 27: Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker of Liverpool embrace at full time following the team's victory during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield on December 27, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk has spoken out(Image: Carl Recine, Getty Images)
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Liverpool's final fixture of 2025 saw them overcome Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 at Anfield. Strikes from Florian Wirtz and Ryan Gravenberch secured victory for Arne Slot's side over their visitors, with the Reds now sitting in fourth position.
Slot's Liverpool had begun the campaign promisingly, claiming five straight victories before enduring a woeful losing streak with just a handful of wins providing some relief. Nevertheless, despite their injury troubles, Liverpool appear to be finding their form again, though they remain 10 points behind Mikel Arteta's Arsenal.
Liverpool's opening fixture of 2026 will pit them against Leeds United at home. Despite enduring a lengthy spell of poor results, Leeds went four Premier League matches without defeat prior to their clash with Sunderland and will approach the Liverpool encounter brimming with confidence. Ahead of this match, the Liverpool Echo examines some of the major talking points emerging from Anfield.
Andre of Wolverhampton Wanderers battles with Milos Kerkez of Liverpool
Liverpool beat Wolves 2-1(Image: Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
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Virgil van Dijk's concerning discussions
Skipper Virgil van Dijk has disclosed that discussions have occurred regarding worries about Liverpool's defensive frailties at set pieces and their match management. The set-piece concern was highlighted against Wolves when Santiago Bueno found the net directly from a corner.
"There have been plenty of games when we have defended them very well. But the fact is we've conceded too many set-piece goals and we don't score enough," said Van Dijk. "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.
"Is it a mental thing? I hope not. If that's in your head then it's an issue. Personally, it's not in my head. We have defended so many set-pieces very well. But the fact is we've conceded too many goals like that and it hurts. We have to improve that. Training is the only way to get better at it.
"Each and every one of us has to take responsibility. It's always going to be on the players. We can speak about how we defend and how we attack, but at the end of the day it's about what the players put in.
"It's not been good enough. We all realise that. We have spoken about that. We need to turn it around. That's why we work on it almost every training session."
Arne Slot highlights star for one reason
Slot has highlighted Jeremie Frimpong after his display against Wolves, praising his speed as something that could benefit Liverpool moving forward.
"I think a lot has been said by so many people, including you guys (reporters) and me as well, about the amount of money we spent last summer," he said. "No one talks about what we recouped because we sold so many.
Jeremie Frimpong
Jeremie Frimpong had a great outing against Wolves(Image: Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
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"But from the players we bought, we unfortunately couldn't see the best from Alex (Isak). Giovanni Leoni has been injured in his first game and Jeremie Frimpong has hardly been involved as well. It's nice that we spent so much, and nobody talking about what we sold, but we were not always able to use the players we've brought in.
"Jeremie is a great example. Now, if he is fit, he can definitely help us. Last week he had the assist against Tottenham and today he had a great assist against Wolves. Pace, that is what he has. And that is so important and crucial in modern day football.
"To create something against a low back, teams that defend with so many players, usually teams break this down with set-pieces. That is not our biggest strength. To have him available with his pace... the first goal was pure individual ability, quick and the cutback, we were positioned in the right position.
"But that is the pace I always wanted to bring in with Hugo (Ekitike) and Jeremie and with Alex as well, but unfortunately not all of the money we have spent we have used and that is to do with the injuries of the players."