Arjun Menon
Van Dijk Rejects Rooney’s ‘Lazy Criticism’
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has dismissed Wayne Rooney‘s suggestion that a lack of leadership is behind the club’s recent struggles, calling it “lazy criticism.”
The Reds, who won the Premier League title last season under manager Arne Slot, have stumbled after a strong start to the 2025-26 campaign. A fourth consecutive league defeat at Brentford last week prompted Rooney to question the leadership of Van Dijk and teammate Mohamed Salah.
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“I didn’t hear him last year. 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.”
Van Dijk, speaking after Liverpool’s victory over Aston Villa on Saturday, defended his and his teammates’ efforts. He acknowledged Rooney’s status as a legend but stood firm against the 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,” Van Dijk added. “Last year when things go well you don’t hear that at all. It is what it is.”
In his latest podcast, Rooney praised Van Dijk’s defensive prowess but stood by his comments.
“I’ve got full respect for Virgil. I think he’s a fantastic player. 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.”
Liverpool currently sit third in the Premier League, seven points behind leaders Arsenal. They face a crucial week with a Champions League clash against Real Madrid on Tuesday, followed by a Premier League match at Manchester City on Sunday.
Van Dijk also addressed speculation about Slot’s position, emphasizing the club’s stability and collective 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. 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.”