Liverpool information: Virgil van Dijk admits ‘killer’ downside as Arne Slot says subject ignored
Liverpool beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 in their final game of 2025 at Anfield before Virgil van Dijk and Arne Slot both spoke out about their problems
Liverpool’s final fixture of 2025 saw them overcome Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 at Anfield, as strikes from Florian Wirtz and Ryan Gravenberch secured victory for Arne Slot’s side, who are now up to fourth.
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 respite. Nevertheless, despite their injury troubles, Liverpool appear to be finding their feet again, though they still trail Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal by 10 points and have defensive issues to address.
Liverpool’s opening fixture of 2026 will pit them against Leeds United at Anfield. After enduring a lengthy spell of disappointing results, Leeds managed to go four Premier League games without defeat prior to their clash with Sunderland and will approach the Liverpool match brimming with belief. Here’s all the latest news from Anfield.
Virgil van Dijk’s concerning discussions
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has disclosed that discussions have taken place regarding worries about Liverpool’s defensive frailties from dead balls and their match control, reports the Mirror.
The set-piece problem was highlighted against Wolves when Santiago Bueno found the net straight from a corner – the 12th set piece the Reds have conceded this season, having scored only three.
“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% 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 particular quality
Slot has praised Jeremie Frimpong after his display against Wolves, highlighting his speed as an asset that could benefit Liverpool in future matches – pointing out a fact that he feels has been ignored in criticism of his side.
“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.
“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.”
