Liverpool frustration grows as Virgil Van Dijk reflects on Burnley stalemate

January 20, 2026 Oliver Obel

Liverpool’s stuttering league form continued on Saturday as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Burnley, prompting captain Virgil van Dijk to admit the champions are missing an edge during matches.

The result left Liverpool facing renewed pressure ahead of a tricky Champions League trip to Marseille, with the club still outside the top eight places in the competition’s league phase.

Burnley, who have struggled for much of the season, left Anfield with a point after Liverpool failed to capitalise on a strong first-half display. Florian Wirtz put the home side ahead shortly after Dominik Szoboszlai missed a penalty, but Marcus Edwards equalised after the break.

The draw marked Liverpool’s fourth consecutive stalemate in the Premier League, a run that has slowed their momentum and tested the patience of supporters. Sections of the Anfield crowd booed at full time, a reaction Van Dijk acknowledged after the match.

According to BBC Sport, the defender said there was “something lacking” in Liverpool’s performances at present, pointing to recurring lapses in control late in games.

“Frustration is the word which is definitely in my head,” Van Dijk said. “After 60 minutes, we started to become sloppy and it's not the first time. We have to address that.”

He added that there would be little time to dwell on the setback. “We have another 48 hours to assess it, ourselves and the staff, and we will debrief and then we have to act.”

BBC Sport reported that this season is the first since 1980-81 in which Liverpool have failed to beat any promoted side at Anfield. The club now sit seven points behind third-placed Aston Villa, who have a game in hand.

“That's the reality and we need support,” Van Dijk said. “I don't like boos from my own fans.”

Attention now turns to Wednesday’s Champions League fixture in Marseille, where Liverpool face a hostile atmosphere against a side coached by former Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi. With qualification still on a knife edge, Van Dijk stressed the need for improvement.

“Wednesday will be a very difficult game over there, not only because of the atmosphere but it's against a De Zerbi team who make it very difficult for you,” he said.

Liverpool are also set to welcome back Mohamed Salah following Egypt’s exit from the Africa Cup of Nations after a penalty defeat by Nigeria in the third-place play-off. Van Dijk believes the forward’s return could be decisive.

“Mo is a very important member of our squad on and off the pitch,” he said. “With his quality he can win games and have good results.”

Sources: BBC Sport