Liverpool captain hits out after United legend questions his and Salah’s leadership

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·2 de noviembre de 2025

Liverpool captain hits out after United legend questions his and Salah’s leadership

Reds captain defends himself and Salah after ending losing streak with vital win over Aston Villa

Liverpool captain hits out after United legend questions his and Salah’s leadership

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Virgil van Dijk has responded strongly to Wayne Rooney’s criticism of his and Mohamed Salah’s leadership during Liverpool’s recent poor run calling the remarks "lazy criticism"

The Man United legend turned pundit had questioned the pair’s "body language and influence" describing them as "a major concern" after Liverpool’s 3-2 defeat to Brentford last week.

But following the Reds' 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at Anfield — their first win after five straight domestic defeats .. Van Dijk offered measured yet pointed reply.

"I didn’t hear his voice last year, He’s icon and player who inspired many and I can only speak positively about him. But I feel this was just a bit of lazy comment — it’s easy to blame others when results aren’t going your way" the Dutch defender told The Daily Mail.

"Even in the good times you have to keep going" Virgil van Dijk discusses dealing with the outside noise when results aren't going your way... 🎙️ @Becky_Ives_ 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK
– sábado, 1 de noviembre de 2025

Van Dijk added that such criticism rarely surfaces when Liverpool are winning:

“It’s funny, isn’t it? Last season when things were going well, we were called leaders. Now when we struggle, suddenly we’re not doing our jobs. That’s the life we live”

🗣️ Virgil van Dijk on Wayne Rooney criticising him and Salah’s leadership: “I didn’t hear him last year. No, it doesn't hurt me to be honest. 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
– domingo, 2 de noviembre de 2025

Rooney’s remarks came after Liverpool’s form slump & speculation about manager Arne Slot’s position. But the weekend’s result brought relief — Salah scored his 250th goal for Liverpool while Van Dijk anchored the defence to first clean sheet in 11 matches across all competitions.

"We know the responsibility that comes with wearing this badge, I’m the captain — when results dip, the questions come for me and the manager. But we stick together. We don’t take this personally; we just focus on winning" Van Dijk said.