Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has rejected Wayne Rooney’s criticism, calling it “lazy” after the Reds’ recent struggles. Rooney suggested a lack of leadership contributed to Liverpool’s poor form this season.
Liverpool started the 2025-26 Premier League campaign strongly, winning five of their first games under manager Arne Slot. Last season, the club had secured the league title in Slot’s first year in charge. However, their form has dipped sharply, highlighted by a fourth consecutive league defeat at Brentford last week.
Van Dijk responds to Rooney
After Liverpool arrested their slide with a win against Aston Villa on Saturday, Van Dijk addressed Rooney’s comments. “I didn’t hear him last year,” Van Dijk said. “It doesn’t hurt me. He is obviously a legend and inspired so many, but that comment feels like lazy criticism.”
He added: “It’s easy to blame other players, but we work together. We try to help each other and get out of tough patches. When things go well, you don’t hear that criticism. It is what it is.”
Van Dijk also acknowledged the role of pundits. “They have to do their job. He has an opinion, and we handle it. I don’t take it personally. There are no hard feelings.”
Rooney stands by his words
In his latest podcast, Rooney praised Van Dijk as one of the world’s best defenders over the past five years. He still defended his original comment. “I have full respect for Virgil. He is a fantastic player. My job now is to give my opinions on what I see,” Rooney said. “If you ask him or Arne Slot, he probably hasn’t been at his best compared to previous years. That was my point, and I stick by it.”
Liverpool look ahead
Liverpool sit third in the Premier League, seven points behind leaders Arsenal, as they face two crucial games this week. They host Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday and visit Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.
Van Dijk addressed reports about pressure on manager Slot. “We don’t play at a club that makes rash decisions. We all believe we can work our way out of this. It’s not guaranteed, but we can do it together. As long as we stay humble, keep working, and believe, we will succeed. We all feel that.”
