Liverpool: "Challenge" - Virgil van Dijk makes Arsenal Premier League admission as Andoni Iraola prepares for Newcastle

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk admitted that his side will find it difficult to challenge Arsenal despite the quality in their squad.

The Reds will play their first Premier League game of the campaign on Sunday, when they take on Newcastle United at St James' Park.

Fans are eagerly awaiting the game as it will give them the first chance to assess Andoni Iraola as a coach in a competitive environment, and it could help set expectations for the coming season.

Speaking to MeninBlazers, Van Dijk insisted that his side have the quality to challenge for the title, but admitted they face a tough task to catch Arsenal, saying: "As a Liverpool captain, as a Liverpool player, I want to be challenging for the Premier League title, but you also have to be realistic.

"We saw how strong Arsenal were last year. If you look at their squad, they look like they have a good depth in their squad as well.

"I feel like we do have the quality to definitely challenge for the title. But we have to do much better than what we did last year."

The Reds finished fifth with 60 points in 2025-26, 25 points behind eventual champions Arsenal, and they will have to drastically turn their fortunes around if they are to challenge.

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Why Liverpool and Andoni Iraola can challenge for the Premier League

It should be remembered that Iraola's predecessor Arne Slot won the title in his debut season in 2024-25, so while the Gunners may be favourites this term, the presence of a new face in the dugout could be a significant boost.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have already lost in 2026-27, with the clubs losing to Hull City and Brentford respectively, and those results may indicate that neither are ready to challenge for first place.

Chelsea are an unknown commodity under Xabi Alonso, while Manchester City have looked vulnerable in pre-season without the leadership of Pep Guardiola.

Arsenal do have the strongest squad of any team in the top flight, but their attack is far from elite given they have failed to sign the likes of Morgan Rogers or Vinicius Junior, and their offensive limitations could cost them points.

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Liverpool transfer news: What do Reds need before deadline day?

Iraola's squad is thin, though he has expressed confidence in more players arriving at Anfield before the closure of the transfer window on September 1.

The addition of at least one forward is necessary considering Mohamed Salah has not yet been replaced, but the exit of Cody Gakpo would leave the Reds in need of two attackers.

Bradley Barcola and Yankuba Minteh have been strongly linked with the Merseysiders, and they would arguably give Iraola the best attack in the division.

Ronald Araujo has eased concerns in defence, but failure to replace Curtis Jones in midfield would leave the squad light in the middle of the pitch.