Virgil van Dijk labels Wayne Rooney’s criticism as ‘lazy’
Liverpool’s Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk has dismissed criticism from Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney as “lazy” following the Reds’ return to winning form with a 2-0 victory against Aston Villa on Saturday evening, reports BritPanorama.
The captain’s remarks were made in response to Rooney’s recent assessment of his leadership during a difficult spell for the club, which had seen them suffer four consecutive league defeats.
Van Dijk emphasized that such critiques were notably absent during the previous season when he led the team to Premier League success. “I didn’t hear him last year,” he remarked, highlighting the timing of the pundit’s comments, but he maintained that he holds no personal animosity toward the former England striker.
Rooney specifically criticized Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah after Liverpool’s recent 3-2 defeat at Brentford, suggesting they had not provided adequate leadership this season, particularly in light of their lucrative contract renewals. “Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, they’ve signed new deals but I don’t think they have really led the team this season,” Rooney stated.
Van Dijk’s response was pointed, particularly following Rooney’s previous comment describing the Dutchman’s defending during a Champions League defeat against Paris Saint-Germain as “lazy.” The Liverpool skipper acknowledged Rooney’s status as a football legend while firmly rejecting his claims about his leadership. “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 explained.
He elaborated on his captaincy, asserting his commitment to the team’s welfare over personal accolades. “I know I’m the captain, I know that if we have not the best results or not great performances, then myself and the manager will definitely always be questioned. That’s part and parcel,” he acknowledged.
The defender reiterated his dedication to collective success rather than individual glory, stating, “I want to perform, not for myself, but for the team, for the club. That’s what I’ve been doing for all those years.” He described his approach during tough times, emphasizing his role in supporting fellow teammates, stating, “When there are difficult moments, I try to help my team-mates. I try to put them in front of me and want to make them perform as in the best possible shape.”
Addressing the modern media landscape, he noted the proliferation of platforms that allow unchecked opinions, calling some reactions to Liverpool’s recent struggles “ridiculous.” Despite putting an end to their poor run, Van Dijk cautioned against becoming overly celebratory ahead of their impending Champions League clash with Real Madrid, stating, “It was just a win and now we move on. We know there’s still a lot of work to do.”
Van Dijk concluded by emphasizing the need for team cohesion and focus on future games. “We have to stick together – focus on the task ahead, winning games. That’s the only thing we can control,” he said, underlining the collective effort required to navigate the club’s ongoing challenges.
In a league where expectations are ever-increasing, it’s a reminder of how the drive for success can sometimes lead to tension, both on and off the pitch.
