As Liverpool prepare to kick off their Premier League title defence, captain Virgil van Dijk has issued a stark warning the Reds must tighten up at the back if they are to have any chance of retaining their crown.
The commanding Dutch centre-back, a vital part of Liverpool’s title-winning backline last season, has been refreshingly honest about the defensive challenges the team has faced during pre-season.
Over six matches in pre-season the Reds have conceded 11 goals — an alarming statistic for a side that built their success on defensive solidity.
Joe Gomez remains sidelined with an Achilles injury, leaving the Premier League champions short on defensive options as they prepare to begin their title defence against Bournemouth at home on Friday.
With the summer sale of Jarell Quansah further thinning their ranks, only captain Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté are available as fit senior centre-backs for the opener.
Speaking after Liverpool’s Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace, Van Dijk did not shy away from the issue.
“We have conceded every game bar one this pre-season. Something we definitely have to work on. We will. I am not worried whatsoever. There is a reason why we were defensively good last year and we can get back to it.”
That candid admission reflects the reality Liverpool currently face. Injuries, departures, and a reshaped defence have unsettled what was once a near-impenetrable unit.
Liverpool’s lavish summer spending spree has seen nearly £300 million invested in a squad in transition, yet defensive depth remains a critical issue that. Slot must resolve quickly if the Reds are to repeat last season’s success.
van Dijk insists he has full faith in Liverpool’s recruitment department to bring in additional reinforcements before the transfer deadline passes.
“I said it last year we had to trust the club, the board and the people to make the right decisions, in order to help the club to even improve in all positions. Even with the season we had last season and I think that is a good sign. I think they have been doing pretty well.”
Liverpool’s defensive issues were on full display during Sunday’s Community Shield clash. Despite flashes of attacking brilliance with Hugo Ekitike scoring after just four minutes and Jeremie Frimpong’s cheeky chip to put the Reds ahead twice, Palace fought back.
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s penalty, awarded after a Van Dijk foul on Ismaïla Sarr, and Sarr’s late equaliser dragged the match to a 2-2 draw, with Palace eventually winning 3-2 on penalties.
Van Dijk himself didn’t have his best afternoon in the Community Shield, but Reds’ fans will hope it was merely a rare off-day from the skipper. The 34-year-old reflected on his own physical comeback, having recently recovered from illness to play 90 minutes.
“Other than conceding goals, it was good to feel the intensity again, to be back playing in the UK. Personally, for me to get my first 90 minutes after being ill in bed for five days.”
Looking ahead, van Dijk issued a rallying call for unity and resilience.
“This season we start from scratch and we have to work our socks off. The Premier League is so difficult, everyone can beat each other home and away; there are no easy games.
Game by game, it is about looking after yourself, be fit, be there for the team. That is the main message and target for everyone. Everyone should look forward to Friday. It will be a very difficult season but we are all in this together.”
As the reigning champions embark on their Premier League title defence, van Dijk’s warning serves as a timely reminder that success is never guaranteed.
