21 hours ago
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Virgil van Dijk has responded to Wayne Rooney’s recent criticism of the Liverpool captain, claiming his comments were “lazy”.
The former Southampton defender was back to his best on Saturday as Liverpool beat Aston Villa 2-0 to end its four-match losing streak in the Premier League. Goals from Mohamed Salah and Ryan Gravenberch proved decisive, and delivered a much-needed confidence boost for a side that has struggled in recent weeks.
That downturn has led to widespread criticism, with Van Dijk among those in the firing line, and drawing disparaging comments from Steve Nicol, Roy Keane and Rooney. It was clearly on Van Dijk’s mind in the aftermath of the Villa win, with the 34-year-old telling TNT Sports that the recent scrutiny on the team had been “ridiculous”.
Speaking to reporters after the 2-0 victory at Anfield, Van Dijk hit back at the comments that circulated in the media during the run of six defeats in seven.
“I think it's a funny thing, isn't it? Because last year we didn't hear anything about this, because obviously things were going well, and we were also seen as the leaders,” said the Dutchman.
“This year, when things are not going as well as we want for the last couple of weeks, then we're not doing our job properly. So that's the life we live. We feel that responsibility. We want to lead by example.
“When there are difficult moments, I try to help my teammates,” Van Dijk added. “I try to put them in front of me and want to make them perform in the best possible shape.
“People question loads of stuff, especially when you lose. There are so many platforms nowadays that everyone can say whatever they like and it gets blown up.”
Van Dijk was then asked specifically about Rooney, who questioned his body language after the defeat at Brentford and said the center-back hasn’t led the team this season.
“Well, I didn't hear him last year,” Van Dijk responded bluntly.
“It doesn't hurt me, to be honest,” he continued. “I feel like, just to come back to this particular player, and this obviously a legend, big player of the game - I can say all the only positive things but I feel like that comment, I would say it's a bit of a lazy criticism.
“That's my personal opinion. It's easy to blame the other players, but he knows as well as everyone else we do it together, trying to help each and every one of us to try to get out of this. Like I said, last year when things go well you don't hear that at all. It is what it is.
“You have to do that job as well, so it is what it is. It's part and parcel when everyone has an opinion and we have to deal with it.
“And there are no hard feelings, by the way. I don't take it personal whatsoever, but I feel like that.”
Liverpool's 2-0 win ensured the Premier League champions maintained their seven-point gap to leaders Arsenal, who beat Burnley 2-0 earlier on Saturday.
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