Van Dijk rallies against ‘lazy criticism’ | OneFootball

Van Dijk Responds to Rooney Criticism After Liverpool’s Crucial Win

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has responded firmly to comments made by former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, who accused him and Mohamed Salah of lacking leadership during the club’s recent struggles. The defender’s reply came shortly after Liverpool ended their poor run of form with a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at Anfield.

Rooney Questions Liverpool’s Leaders

Speaking on his BBC show, Rooney questioned the influence of Van Dijk and Salah in guiding the team through a difficult spell. The former England captain suggested that both players’ “body language” reflected a lack of responsibility, claiming their demeanour had affected the wider squad.

“I think Van Dijk and Salah, obviously they’ve signed new deals and whatever, but I don’t think they’ve really led that team this season,” Rooney said. “Body language tells you a lot, and I think we’re seeing slightly different body language from the two of them. They’re the top two players in that team, and if their body language is not right, that affects everyone else.”

Rooney’s comments struck a chord among fans, particularly given Liverpool’s recent slide, but Van Dijk was quick to defend himself and his teammates after the Villa match.

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Van Dijk Stands Firm

In his post-match interview, Van Dijk dismissed Rooney’s claims while emphasising the unity within Arne Slot’s squad. The Dutchman suggested that public criticism is part of modern football but rejected any notion that his commitment had waned.

“It’s easy to blame players,” Van Dijk said. “He knows, as well as everyone else, that we do everything together. When things go well, you don’t hear that at all. It is what it is. Pundits have to do their job, and he’s entitled to his opinion. I don’t take it personally whatsoever.”

The Liverpool skipper continued: “This year, when things aren’t going as well as we want, people look for faults. We take that responsibility, we want to lead by example, and that will never change.”

Van Dijk’s response reflected both professionalism and composure, attributes that have made him one of the Premier League’s most respected figures since his arrival at Anfield.

Slot Welcomes Relief After Difficult Run

Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Villa provided some much-needed relief for manager Arne Slot, whose side had suffered four consecutive league defeats before Saturday’s fixture. The Dutchman has faced intense scrutiny since replacing Jürgen Klopp, but he remains confident that his methods will deliver results.

“I’ve always felt the support of the fans since I arrived,” Slot said. “Even with the recent results, I never felt anything less. They’ve been behind me and the team, and that makes a huge difference.”

The win, secured through disciplined defending and a more cohesive attacking display, offered a timely boost before a crucial Champions League clash against Real Madrid on Tuesday, followed by a trip to Manchester City the following Sunday.

Focus Turns to Defining Week

Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures will test both their mental resilience and tactical balance. Van Dijk’s leadership will again come under scrutiny, especially with European progression and Premier League positioning at stake. For Rooney, his comments may have been designed to provoke a reaction — but if Saturday’s display is any indication, it could be the spark that reignites Liverpool’s season.

Van Dijk, ever measured in his tone, has shown that criticism will not derail his focus or leadership. Whether or not Liverpool can sustain this response over the coming weeks will determine how this exchange between two of English football’s biggest names is remembered.