Liverpool’s title defence may have begun with three points, but questions about their backline refuse to go away. Having conceded four goals across just two matches, skipper Virgil van Dijk has admitted that there’s still plenty of work to be done.
The Dutchman couldn’t help but laugh when asked about the team’s shaky defensive start, but he didn’t shy away from acknowledging the issues. “It’s improved compared to the last game, but there’s still progress to make,” Van Dijk explained after the 4-2 victory against Bournemouth at Anfield.
He pointed out that part of the challenge comes from new and young additions to the squad. Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez were both making their first Premier League starts, while Ryan Gravenberch, who usually offers extra cover in midfield, was absent. Add to that a rusty Alexis Mac Allister and an off-key display from Ibrahima Konaté, and it’s no surprise Liverpool looked vulnerable at times.
Despite those concerns, Van Dijk insisted the team must keep pushing forward:
> “We need to keep working, focus on clean sheets, and deal better with transition moments. The important thing is we still got the win, but we know there’s room for improvement.”
Liverpool’s defensive rebuild has been one of the biggest since the late 1990s, with several new faces bedding in. The recent arrival of 18-year-old centre-back Giovanni Leoni from Parma and ongoing talks with Crystal Palace over Marc Guehi highlight just how much change is taking place at the heart of the defence.
But for Van Dijk, transfer speculation isn’t the priority. With tough fixtures against Newcastle United and Arsenal looming before the transfer window shuts, the captain stressed that focus must remain on the players currently available.
> “You can talk about speeding things up in the market, but that’s not in our hands. What we can control is the here and now. Newcastle away is always tough, and we have to be ready.”
The message is clear: while reinforcements may arrive, Liverpool’s existing squad must quickly find the defensive solidity needed to match their attacking firepower.
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