Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has hit back at Wayne Rooney’s suggestion that the Reds’ recent struggles stem from poor leadership, describing the former England striker’s remarks as “lazy criticism.”
Rooney, speaking to BBC Sport, had questioned the leadership of Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, claiming the pair had not “really led the team this season” during Liverpool’s four-match losing streak in the Premier League.
Responding after Liverpool’s 2–1 victory over Aston Villa on Saturday, which ended their poor run, Van Dijk defended his and his teammates’ leadership qualities.
“I didn’t hear him last year,” the Dutch defender said. “It doesn’t hurt me. Obviously, he’s a legend of the game who inspired many, and I can only say positive things about him. But I feel that comment is a bit of a lazy criticism.”
“It’s easy to blame players when results aren’t going well, but he knows we do everything together — helping each other to get out of difficult situations. Last year, when things went well, you didn’t hear that at all. It is what it is.”
Van Dijk added that he bears no grudge toward Rooney, acknowledging that pundits are paid to share their opinions.
“[Pundits] have to do that job. He has an opinion and we have to deal with it. There’s no hard feelings. I don’t take it personally.”
Addressing speculation about manager Arne Slot’s future following the club’s dip in form, Van Dijk expressed confidence in the team’s unity and the manager’s position.
“I’ve heard the reports about [Slot] being under pressure, but I don’t think we play at a club that makes rash decisions. We all believe we can work our way out of this if we stay humble and keep working.”
Liverpool started the 2025–26 season with five straight victories but have since fallen off the pace in the title race following four consecutive defeats before their weekend win.
