Liverpool: Virgil van Dijk hits back at Wayne Rooney over 'lazy' criticism of him and Mohamed Salah

"I think body language tells you a lot, and I think we're seeing slightly different body language from the two of them. They are the top two players in that team and if their body language is not right, that affects everyone else."

"Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, they've signed new deals but I don't think they've really led that team this season."

"Just to come back to this particular player, 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 a bit of a lazy criticism. It's easy to blame the older players but he knows as well as everyone else that we do it together and try to help each other to get out of this. There are so many platforms nowadays that everyone can say whatever they like and it gets blown up."

Wayne Rooney questioned Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah's leadership and body language during Liverpool's run of six defeats in seven games, including four straight Premier League losses. Rooney noted different body language from the two experienced players and warned that their attitudes could affect the squad. Virgil van Dijk rejected the criticism as a lazy take, defended the senior players, and emphasised collective responsibility. Van Dijk also pointed to external noise and social platforms amplifying opinions beyond the team's control and said such commentary can reach certain players, requiring the group to manage outside distractions.

Read at www.standard.co.uk