Liverpool news: Arne Slot told how to damage Arsenal as Virgil van Dijk pinpoints 'killer' issue
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Liverpool News: Arne Slot Told How to Damage Arsenal as Virgil van Dijk Pinpoints 'Killer' Issue
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has highlighted the team's set-piece defending frailties as a major concern, with the Reds conceding 12 goals from such situations this season despite their Premier League title win last year. In 18 league matches, Liverpool have shipped 26 goals, exposing defensive vulnerabilities under head coach Arne Slot, even after recent wins that lifted them to fourth place.[1]
Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock, a Champions League winner, urges an audacious January swoop for Arsenal's impressive Jurrien Timber to address these issues and fill the void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold's summer transfer to Real Madrid. Timber, thriving at the Emirates with two-and-a-half years left on his contract, is seen as ideal due to his versatility and Arsenal's desire to extend his deal.[1][2]
Warnock emphasizes Liverpool's need for durable players, criticizing the injury-prone nature of current options like Ibrahima Konate and others, who lack reliability for weekly action. A solid right-back like Timber would stabilize the defense, enabling midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai to excel. "Liverpool must consider how dependable their players are... right now, those players aren't fit enough," Warnock stated.[1]
Amid transfer rumors, Liverpool remain interested in Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi after a near-deal last summer, though wage structures limit pursuits like re-signing Konate, who attracts Real Madrid attention. Slot's squad faces challenges with players like Mohamed Salah at AFCON and out-of-contract stars including Andy Robertson.[3]
Looking ahead, title-chasing Arsenal (top of the table) host Aston Villa on Tuesday, while Liverpool welcome Leeds United at Anfield on January 1. Signing Timber could disrupt Arsenal while bolstering Liverpool's title defense against their "killer" set-piece woes.[1]
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