Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk admitted there is “something lacking” in his side after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Burnley at Anfield, extending a frustrating run of form for the defending champions. 

The result marked Liverpool’s fourth consecutive league draw and prompted boos from sections of the home crowd at full-time.

Liverpool had taken the lead in the first half through Florian Wirtz, scoring 10 minutes after Dominik Szoboszlai missed a penalty. 

However, Marcus Edwards equalised for Burnley after the break, punishing a drop in intensity from the hosts as the game wore on.

Van Dijk said frustration was the dominant feeling in the dressing room, pointing to recurring issues late in matches. 

He acknowledged that Liverpool became sloppy after the hour mark and stressed that the problem had been discussed before, but now required decisive action from both players and staff.

The Dutch defender also expressed disappointment at the reaction from supporters, saying he did not like being booed by his own fans. 

Liverpool’s struggles at Anfield have been underlined by the fact that this is the first season since 1980-81 in which they have failed to beat any of the promoted sides at home. They now sit seven points behind third-placed Aston Villa, who have a game in hand.

Attention quickly turns to Europe, with Liverpool facing a demanding Champions League trip to Marseille on Wednesday. 

Van Dijk warned of a hostile atmosphere and praised Marseille manager Roberto de Zerbi, describing his teams as difficult to play against. 

Liverpool currently sit ninth in the Champions League standings, outside the top eight that avoid an extra play-off round.

There was some positive news for Liverpool with Mohamed Salah set to return after Egypt’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign ended in defeat to Nigeria in the third-place play-off. 

Van Dijk highlighted Salah’s importance on and off the pitch, saying the forward’s quality can help Liverpool rediscover winning form during a crucial stage of the season.