Van Dijk admits set-pieces hurting Liverpool

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has admitted that his side’s poor defending from set-pieces is “hurting” them, describing the second phase as a “killer”.

The Reds have now conceded 12 goals from set-pieces this season, the joint-highest in the Premier League alongside Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest.

Despite Saturday’s 2-1 win over Wolves at Anfield, Liverpool once again looked vulnerable, with Santiago Bueno heading home from a corner. A similar lapse occurred last week when Richarlison scored for Tottenham after Liverpool failed to properly clear a corner.

Van Dijk said the problem is no longer just about the first ball.

“We’ve defended many set-pieces very well, but the fact is we’ve conceded too many and we don’t score enough,” the Dutch defender said.

“At least 75 per cent of the time, it’s not even about the first contact. It’s the second phase that is the killer.”

Liverpool have scored just three league goals from set-pieces this season, excluding penalties, leaving them with a minus-nine goal difference from dead-ball situations, their worst return in a Premier League campaign.

Asked if the issue was psychological, Van Dijk dismissed the idea but admitted improvement is needed.

“If that’s in your head then it’s a problem. Personally, it’s not in my head. But it’s not been good enough and we all know that,” he said.