Wayne Rooney Slams Salah, Van Dijk For Poor Leadership During Liverpool’s Slump

27 Oct 2025, 13:06 by Ernest Victor · Naija News

Wayne Rooney has taken a swipe at Liverpool’s senior players, accusing Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah of failing to show leadership as the Reds struggle to find form.

Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the former Manchester United forward said the attitude of Liverpool’s biggest stars has been troubling to watch in recent weeks.

“No one has seen this coming, it’s hit them quick, it’s hit them hard and I think they’re struggling to find a way out of it,” Rooney said, as quoted by BBC Sport. “This is a time where the manager and the leaders in the team need to figure it out very quickly.”

Rooney, a five-time Premier League champion, questioned the influence of Van Dijk and Salah on the team, suggesting their energy and attitude on the pitch have not been up to standard.

“Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, they’ve signed new deals but I don’t think they’ve really led that team this season,” he continued. “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.

“I might be wrong on this, but if I was a Liverpool fan or the manager, that would be a big concern for me.”

Liverpool have endured a frustrating run of results after a bright start to the campaign, and pressure is beginning to mount on Jürgen Klopp’s squad to rediscover their rhythm.

Rooney also weighed in on Arsenal’s title chances, saying Mikel Arteta’s side have no excuse not to win the Premier League this season.

“In contrast to Liverpool’s problems, Arsenal look to be well placed to lift the title for the first time since 2004, having finished runners-up for the past three seasons,” he said.

“The squad is good enough now and I think they’ve had the experiences which have got them close, but I think they’re ready for it. If they don’t win it now, you’d probably see a change of manager.”

Arsenal have been in fine form, winning four league games in a row and keeping three clean sheets, including a narrow 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday.