VIRGIL: WE KNOW WE CAN DO BETTER AND WE WILL

Van Dijk: There's defensive work to do - but we had lots of good moments in victory

- By IAN DOYLE Chief LFC Writer

VIRGIL VAN DIJK can't help but laugh when the question he had been expected inevitably arrived.

Just what had the Liverpool captain made of another less than convincing defensive performance from the Premier League champions?

"That's for you guys to discuss, you all have opinions!" chuckles Van Dijk in response.

Certainly, scrutiny of the Reds' leaky rearguard that became a talking point throughout the summer has intensified during the past week with two goals shipped in successive games, first in the Community Shield against Crystal Palace and then again on Friday evening in the 4-2 Premier League opening day win at home to Bournemouth.

And when pressed on the matter as a widely acknowledged virtuoso in the defensive arts, Van Dijk was a little more forthcoming.

"I think it was much more improved than the last game but there is still work to do," he admits.

"The manager already said we are playing with a right-back who came from the Bundesliga, is 24 years old and is trying to get used to how we defend.

"We play with Milos who is a very young fullback, very eager and full of energy, who is trying to get used to the way we play. It needs time, that's absolutely normal, but we also played without our six, Ryan Gravenberch.

"We have to keep working, that's the main thing, trying to keep clean sheets. We conceded two goals in a transition moment where we have to do better. That's what we have to work on.