CAPTAIN FEARFUL FOR SLOT'S TITLE DEFENCE

But Van Dijk is focusing on solving Liverpool's defensive woes, rather than their recruitment policy.

- By Jeremy Cross

VIRGIL VAN DIJK believes the case for Liverpool’s defence is nowhere near strong enough.

And the centre-back told the Reds they must keep more clean sheets if they want to retain the Premier League title.

Arne Slot’s men blew two leads in Sunday’s Community Shield defeat by Crystal Palace on penalties, with Van Dijk’s foul on Ismaila Sarr allowing Jean-Philippe Mateta to make it 1-1 from the spot.

It was Liverpool’s second successive Wembley reverse, having lost 2-1 to Newcastle in last season’s Carabao Cup final.

In six preseason friendlies the Reds have kept just one clean sheet.

Liverpool have long held an interest in Palace’s England defender Marc Guehi, above, with Eagles chairman Steve Parish conceding his skipper will be sold this summer if they receive a suitable offer.