The Reds narrowly beat bottom-of-the-table Wolves 2-1 on Saturday, despite conceding their 12th league goal from a set-piece in just 18 matches. No other team has conceded more, while Liverpool have scored only three times from set-pieces themselves, excluding penalties. That minus-nine differential marks their worst set-piece record in any Premier League season.

“The fact is we’ve conceded too many set-piece goals and we don’t score enough,” Van Dijk told reporters. “It’s something we have to improve. I would say at least 75 per cent of the time, or even more, it’s not even about the first contact. It’s the second phase that is the killer.

“Is it a mental thing? I hope not. If that’s in your head, then it’s an issue. Personally, it’s not in my head.”

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has repeatedly highlighted his side’s struggles from dead-ball situations this season. However, he believes there are signs of progress, pointing to wins over nine-man Tottenham and Wolves despite conceding from corners in both games.

“Unfortunately, we’re maybe the only team that hardly ever scores from a set-piece and, even worse, we constantly concede,” Slot said. “But a few weeks ago, I said that even when things go against us – whether it’s a set-piece or something else – we need to find a way to win.

“In the last two games, we conceded from a set-piece but still managed to win, and that hasn’t happened many times this season. That’s progress for me, but clearly there are still things we need to improve, and this is definitely one of them.”

Despite some inconsistent displays, Liverpool are now on a seven-match unbeaten run. Three consecutive league wins have lifted Slot’s side back into the top four, although they remain 10 points behind leaders Arsenal.