Van Dijk: Liverpool’s Set-Piece Struggles Are “Killer”

Liverpool’s recent climb to fourth in the Premier League table masks a deeply concerning and increasingly costly flaw: a catastrophic inability to capitalize on – and defend against – set pieces. While three consecutive league wins offer a veneer of progress under Arne Slot, the underlying issue threatens to derail any genuine title aspirations and is rapidly becoming a psychological hurdle for the team.

The problem isn’t a lack of effort. Van Dijk explicitly states training focuses heavily on set-piece scenarios – “almost every training session.” Slot echoes this, noting the team’s misfortune in those situations. However, the consistent failure to convert attacking opportunities and the alarming frequency of conceding goals from dead-ball situations points to a deeper issue than simply bad luck. Historically, Liverpool under Jürgen Klopp were a potent threat from corners and free-kicks, a weapon that consistently unlocked stubborn defenses. This current drought represents a significant tactical regression.

The comments from both Van Dijk and Slot are telling. Van Dijk’s initial hope that it’s “not a mental thing” quickly gives way to acknowledging it *could* be, a dangerous admission from a team leader. Slot’s emphasis on finding a way to win *despite* set-piece failures suggests he’s bracing for this to remain a problem for the foreseeable future. This isn’t merely about tactical adjustments; it’s about restoring belief within the squad.

The Forward Look: The next few weeks are critical. Slot will likely experiment with personnel and set-piece routines, but a more fundamental shift in approach may be required. We can expect to see increased focus on individual matchups within set-piece scenarios, and potentially a more aggressive, risk-taking approach to attacking them. However, the real test will be Liverpool’s ability to maintain composure and tactical discipline when inevitably conceding from a set-piece. If they continue to crumble mentally after such setbacks, even a top-four finish will be in jeopardy. Beyond personnel changes, look for Liverpool to potentially bring in a dedicated set-piece coach – a growing trend in the Premier League – during the next transfer window to provide specialized expertise and a fresh perspective. The long-term success of Slot’s tenure may well hinge on solving this increasingly intractable problem.