Rooney Slams van Dijk and Salah for Poor Leadership During Liverpool Crisis

Wayne Rooney has launched a scathing critique of Liverpool’s senior players, suggesting that Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah’s body language and attitude are contributing factors to the club’s dramatic slump. The Manchester United legend made his comments following Liverpool’s devastating 3-2 defeat to Brentford on Saturday, which extended their winless run to four consecutive league matches.

Concerns Over Star Player Mentality

Rooney emphasized that the attitude of Liverpool’s two biggest names has been troubling throughout the recent downturn. Speaking on the Wayne Rooney Show, he highlighted how body language can influence an entire team’s performance. “I think body language tells you a lot, and I think we’re seeing slightly different body language from the two of them,” Rooney stated. “They are the top two players in that team and if their body language is not right, that affects everyone else.”

The 39-year-old former striker suggested that if he were in Arne Slot’s position or a Liverpool supporter, he would view the situation as a significant worry requiring immediate attention.

Season Unraveling for Champions

Liverpool’s crisis has deepened considerably, with the club now sitting seventh in the Premier League table, seven points behind leaders Arsenal. Both van Dijk and Salah recently signed lucrative contract extensions following Liverpool’s title triumph last season, positioning them as cornerstone players under manager Arne Slot. However, their individual performances have mirrored the team’s alarming trajectory, with Liverpool conceding nine goals across their last four matches. Pundit Jamie Carragher has already declared the situation a “full-blown crisis,” noting the champions’ loss of physical edge that previously defined their dominance.