Virgil van Dijk calls for more signings after Liverpool's 1-1 draw against Chelsea

Virgil van Dijk hopes Liverpool can make a 'couple more additions' to their squad before the conclusion of the summer transfer window.

The Reds' two new signings Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister both enjoyed impressive Premier League debuts for the club in the 1-1 draw against Chelsea as they started alongside Cody Gakpo in midfield.

Speaking after securing a hard-fought point at Stamford Bridge, Van Dijk heaped praise on the pair and described Liverpool as a 'family-friendly club'. He told BBC Sport (quotes via Liverpool Echo): "I am very impressed with the guys; as a human being coming to a new club, it is good how they are coming in. Our group is a very family-friendly club."

The Liverpool captain admitted that while Liverpool have done well to snap up Szoboszlai and Mac Allister, they could be better equipped to compete on all fronts with a couple more additions. Van Dijk added: "On the pitch, their quality spoke for itself. I am very happy with them; the transfer window is not closed yet, so let's see if we can make a couple more additions to make the squad as strong as possible this season."

With just over two weeks left for the transfer window to conclude, Liverpool have a lot of work to be done to pull glaring holes in their squad. The Reds played without an out-and-out No.6 against Chelsea, with Mac Allister playing in the position in the absence of a specialist player.

Southampton's Romeo Lavia could be the answer to Liverpool's defensive midfield woes, but the Reds face an uphill battle to agree personal terms with the player despite thrashing out a £60m deal with Southampton earlier today. With Chelsea also believed to be in the running to secure his signature, it remains to be seen where the 19-year-old decides to go.

PSV Eindhoven's Ibrahim Sangare and Fluminese's Andre Trindade have also been linked with the club in recent weeks as they desperately scour the transfer market for a defensive midfielder.