Van Dijk rejects Rooney’s ‘lazy criticism’

Liverpool’s captain Virgil van Dijk has called for “lazy criticism” when Wayne Rooney blames a lack of leadership for the club’s recent poor form.

The Reds won the Premier League title last year under manager Arne Slot’s first leadership, but after registering five top-flight victories in the campaign for 2025-26, they have lost interest.

After losing to the Bees for the fourth time in a row last week, Van Dijk and team-mate Mohamed Salah no longer “really led that team this season,” according to former England and Manchester United player Rooney.

“It doesn’t hurt me,” I said. Just to reiterate that this particular player is a legend, a major player in the game, and someone who has inspired so many, I can only say positive things about him, but I would say that it’s a bit of a lazy criticism.

He says, “It’s simple to blame the other players for this, but he knows we do it all the time, attempting to help each and every one of us in this effort. You didn’t hear that at all last year when things went well. It is what it is.

The “Pundits” must perform that task. We must deal with his opinion because he has one. No unfavorable feelings are present. I’m not at all taken personally by it.

In preparation for two crucial games this week, Liverpool is third in the Premier League and seven points clear of Arsenal.

Before traveling to Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday, Slot’s side travel to Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Van Dijk continued, “I’ve heard the reports about [Slot] being under pressure, but I don’t believe we play at a club that makes rash decisions,” adding.