Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has pushed back against Wayne Rooney’s remarks, calling them “lazy criticism.” The Liverpool defender defended both himself and teammate Mohamed Salah, responding after Rooney accused them of failing to lead the side during their recent poor form.
The Reds, who started the 2025-26 Premier League season with five straight wins, have since struggled, losing four consecutive games before beating Aston Villa on Saturday.
“I didn’t hear him last year,” Van Dijk said after Liverpool’s win against Aston Villa.
“It doesn’t hurt me. Just to come back to this particular player, obviously a legend, a big player of the game who inspired so many, I can say only positive things but I feel that comment is just I would say it’s a bit of a lazy criticism.
“It’s easy to blame the other players but he knows we do it together, trying to help each and every one of us to try to get out of this. Last year when things go well you don’t hear that at all. It is what it is.
“[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.”
Rooney Stands by His Opinion
Rooney, speaking on his latest podcast, clarified that he respects Van Dijk but stands by his earlier comments. He insisted that his job as a pundit is to give honest opinions about players’ performances.
“I’ve got full respect for Virgil. I think he’s a fantastic player,” Rooney said.
“My job now as a pundit is to give my opinions on what I feel. I’m sure if you ask him or Arne Slot, he probably hasn’t been as good as he has been over the last few years. That was my comment which I stick by.”
Van Dijk on Arne Slot and Team Morale
Van Dijk reaffirmed his support for manager Arne Slot, dismissing suggestions that the club might make hasty decisions after the recent dip in form. He expressed confidence that Liverpool can bounce back through teamwork and belief.
“I’ve heard the reports as well about [Slot] being under pressure, but I don’t think we play at a club that makes rash decisions,” Van Dijk added.
“We all felt that we can work our way out of this. It’s not a guarantee, but we can do it together. As long as we believe, stay humble and keep working, we can do it, and we all have that feeling.”
Liverpool currently sit third in the Premier League, seven points behind Arsenal, as they prepare for a crucial week — hosting Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday before visiting Manchester City on Sunday.
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