Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has hit back at recent criticism from Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney, dismissing claims the Reds have lacked leadership this season as “lazy”.
The Liverpool central defender has been under the spotlight this season following his team’s poor performances.
The Reds have lost four league matches in a row and, after leading the Premier League table, they are now seven points behind Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.
These poor performances from the Merseyside club highlighted the performances of all their players, especially club captain Van Dijk who is the leader of their defense.
Wayne Rooney recently criticized Van Dijk
Rooney, speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show last week, questioned the attitude and body language of Liverpool’s senior players, particularly Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, suggesting their on-field behavior was not up to the standards expected of managers.
“Their body language that term is not correct,” remarked the former England striker, highlighting what he perceived as a decline in intensity and authority among Liverpool’s key figures.
However, following Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa at Anfield, Van Dijk was quick to defend himself and his teammates, insisting that the team’s unity and collective effort remains as strong as ever.
“I didn’t hear it last year.” the Dutchman told reporters with a smile, as reported by the Daily Mail.
“It doesn’t hurt me, to be honest. I feel like, just going back to that particular player, he’s obviously a legend, a great player of the game who inspired so many people. I can only say positive things, but I think that comment is just a bit of a lazy criticism. That’s my personal opinion.”
Van Dijk then emphasized that football is a team effort and leadership cannot be judged solely by visible emotions or gestures on the pitch.
“It’s easy to blame the players when things don’t go perfectly, but he knows, like everyone else, that we’re doing it together. We’re all trying to help each other and move forward,” he added.
“When things are going well, you don’t hear that kind of talk at all. That’s how it is, experts have to do their job, and everyone is entitled to an opinion. There are no hard feelings and I don’t take it personally.”
The Liverpool captain spoke on the pitch
The defender’s calm but assertive response reflects the leadership qualities that have defined his Liverpool career.
While Rooney’s remarks sparked debate among pundits and fans, Van Dijk’s dignified response reaffirmed his position as a leader, who prefers to let his performances and professionalism do the talking.
Liverpool need a similar performance from Van Dijk against Real Madrid in the Champions League this week and against Manchester City thereafter.
Trent Alexander-Arnold speaks out on returning to Premier League 5 months after Liverpool exit
