Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has fired again at latest criticism from Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney, dismissing claims that the Reds have lacked management this season as “lazy.”
The Liverpool centre-back has come beneath the highlight this season after his staff’s poor performances.
The Reds misplaced 4 league video games in a row and from main the Premier League desk, they’re now seven factors behind Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.
These poor performances from the Merseyside membership highlighted the shows of all their gamers, notably membership captain Van Dijk who’s the chief of their protection.
Wayne Rooney just lately criticised Van Dijk
Rooney, talking on The Wayne Rooney Present final week, questioned the perspective and physique language of Liverpool’s senior gamers, notably Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, suggesting that their demeanor on the pitch has not been as much as the usual anticipated of leaders.
“Their physique language this time period isn’t proper,” the previous England striker remarked, pointing to what he perceived as a drop in depth and authority amongst Liverpool’s key figures.
Nevertheless, following Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at Anfield, Van Dijk was fast to defend each himself and his teammates, insisting that the staff’s unity and collective effort stay as sturdy as ever.
“I didn’t hear him final yr,” the Dutchman instructed reporters with a smile, as reported by the Every day Mail.
“It doesn’t harm me, to be trustworthy. I really feel like, simply to come back again to this explicit participant, he’s clearly a legend, a giant participant of the sport who impressed so many. I can solely say optimistic issues, however I really feel that remark is only a little bit of a lazy criticism. That’s my private opinion.”
Van Dijk went on to stress that soccer is a staff effort, and management can’t be judged solely by seen emotion or on-pitch gestures.
“It’s simple in charge gamers when issues don’t go completely, however he is aware of, in addition to anybody, that we do it collectively. We’re all making an attempt to assist one another and push ahead,” he added.
“When issues go effectively, you don’t hear that form of discuss in any respect. It’s what it’s, pundits must do their job, and everyone seems to be entitled to an opinion. There are not any onerous emotions, and I don’t take it personally.”
Liverpool captain has accomplished his speaking on the pitch
The defender’s calm but assertive response displays the management qualities which have outlined his profession at Liverpool.
Whereas Rooney’s remarks sparked debate amongst pundits and followers alike, Van Dijk’s dignified response has reaffirmed his standing as a pacesetter, one who prefers to let his performances and professionalism do the speaking.
Liverpool want an identical efficiency from Van Dijk in opposition to Actual Madrid within the Champions League this week and in opposition to Manchester Metropolis after that.
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