Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has dismissed Wayne Rooney’s recent comments on the team’s leadership as “lazy criticism,” saying the remarks ignore the collective effort behind Liverpool’s successes and struggles.
The Reds, who lifted the Premier League title last season under manager Arne Slot, have endured a difficult run after an impressive start to their 2025–26 campaign. Having won their opening five league fixtures, they have since stumbled, suffering four consecutive defeats, including a 3-1 loss to Brentford last week.
Following that defeat, former Manchester United and England striker Rooney suggested that Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah had not “really led that team this season.” Van Dijk responded firmly after Liverpool’s 2-0 rebound victory against Aston Villa on Saturday.
“I didn’t hear him last year,” Van Dijk said. “Just to come back to this particular player — obviously a legend, a big player who inspired many — I can say only positive things. But I feel that comment is a bit of a lazy criticism.
“It’s easy to blame the other players, but he knows we do it together, trying to help each other and get out of this. Last year when things go well, you don’t hear that at all. It is what it is.”
Van Dijk added that he harbours “no hard feelings” toward Rooney or other pundits, saying, “They have a job to do, to give opinions. I don’t take it personally.”
In his latest podcast, Rooney stood by his assessment while acknowledging Van Dijk’s world-class pedigree. “I’ve got full respect for Virgil — he’s been one of the best defenders in the world over the past five years,” Rooney said. “But my job as a pundit is to give my opinions. I just feel he hasn’t quite been at his best this season, and that’s what I said — and I stand by it.”
Liverpool currently sit third in the Premier League table, seven points behind leaders Arsenal, as they prepare for a crucial week featuring back-to-back clashes — hosting Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday before facing Manchester City away on Sunday.
Addressing speculation that Arne Slot could be under pressure, Van Dijk dismissed such talk: “I’ve heard those reports, but I don’t think we’re a club that makes rash decisions. We all believe we can work our way out of this. As long as we stay humble, keep believing, and keep working, we’ll be fine.”
