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Alan Shearer has urged Virgil van Dijk to cease his confrontations with pundits and let his performances do the talking following his verbal sparring match with Wayne Rooney.
The former Manchester United striker initially criticized Van Dijk after Liverpool's defeat to Brentford last month, questioning the defender's dedication following his contract renewal.
The Liverpool captain responded by dismissing what he considered "lazy" commentary, leading to an uncomfortable face-to-face encounter between the pair after the Reds' 1-0 Champions League triumph over Real Madrid at Anfield. Rooney acknowledged earlier this week that his criticism of the Netherlands international was perhaps "went a bit too strong" but maintained that the Liverpool skipper should concentrate on his performances.
However, with Liverpool having suffered four consecutive away defeats for the first time in 13 years and shipped 17 goals across its 11 league fixtures, Shearer believes pundits are justified in their criticism of Van Dijk and his teammates.
"I think it's very difficult as a player to come out and have a pop back when you've lost five games this season and in the manner you've lost them," he told Betfair.
"You're entitled to do that, I guess, as a captain. He's trying to stick up for his team.
"I think the bigger picture is, if you're going to come back and have a pop at a pundit for saying that you've been poor, then you've got to back it up. And the game after that, he was really poor himself again, and as his team were.
"Your best talking is on the pitch and getting results. They were really, really poor, so I think the pundits are well within their reason to have a pop."
Following Sunday's 3-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad, Arne Slot's players are now eight points behind leaders Arsenal.
And former Newcastle striker Shearer reckons not only are Liverpool out of the title race, but the Reds won't claim any silverware this campaign unless they show marked improvement.
He said: "If Liverpool continue to play like they did against Manchester City, then they won't win anything.
"They'll get dumped out of whatever competitions they're in. They've got the FA Cup and the Champions League, but I do think the league's gone for them now they've lost five games.
"I don't see them being in a title race now. I think they would have to probably win every single game between now and the end of the season.
"I don't think that's possible. So, I think their title race is done. It's the Champions League or the FA Cup for Liverpool, but they won't be winning any of those unless they improve anyway."
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