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virgil van dijk Has responded to criticism from many pundits and former players liverpool After a mixed start to the season, he said it had been “over the top at times”.
Four consecutive league defeats and six defeats in seven matches left many wondering whether the reigning Premier League The champions were in trouble.
Wayne Rooney was one of the critical voices, along with the former Manchester United The player questioned the leadership of Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah this season and suggested that their body language had a negative impact on other players.
Van Dijk reacted after Liverpool halted their barren run with a 2–0 league win over Aston Villa at the weekend, saying he could only say positive things about Rooney but felt the comment was “lazy criticism”.
The pair discussed the issue in person after the Reds fell short in a 1-0 Champions League win real Madrid Tuesday night at Anfield, with alexis mac allister Dominik Szoboszlai’s brilliant free-kick scored his first goal since April.
Liverpool captain Van Dijk stood by Rooney when he was asked about the impact of the players-only meeting after the defeat to Manchester United. The Dutchman said: “It’s easy to say now because we have won twice in a row – in a world of chaos you have to stay calm and see the perspective of things.
“Sometimes there was a lot of noise. It’s very important to keep things in perspective, to keep your head down and work.”
When asked if he was addressing any specific pundit, he said: “Not at all. But I think it’s very important to keep things in perspective.”
On external noise, he further said, “For me personally it doesn’t affect me but as a captain I am dealing with players who can be affected by it.
“Of course, if you lose four or five games in a row as a Liverpool player, [criticism] cool Beans. In that respect it is normal.
“It’s sometimes over the top, but that’s because we live in a world where there are so many platforms, so many people can say things and they will be picked up and made bigger than what they are.
“I think it will be good for former players who have played at the highest level and dealt with difficult moments to put things in perspective.”
Rooney responded: “When you win the Premier League, I think what I said was fair. You don’t expect Liverpool to lose four games in a row.
“I think the response from Virgil and the team has been great.”