Source: ESPN Soccer
Wayne Rooney ‘sticks by’ Virgil van Dijk ‘lazy’ criticism – ESPNSkip to main contentSkip to navigation<>Rooney ‘sticks by’ Van Dijk ‘lazy’ criticism3hBeth LindopTwo Man United flops steal show for new clubs5hESPNRonaldo’s son scores, Portugal U16s face England5hAdriana GarciaSon, LAFC set up clash with Muller’s Whitecaps5hAssociated PressSpurs’ Frank: Van de Ven, Spence sorry for snub24mESPNSources: Prem chief Scholes to lead top-tier USL15hJeff CarlisleColumbus trounces Cincinnati to force Game 313hESPN News ServicesLouisville clinches NWSL playoffs after 4 misses14hJeff KassoufWhy so serious? Man City’s Haaland spooks locals as The Joker for Halloween2dChris WrightTottenham have big problems; Haaland lifts Man City again; Griezmann scores 200; more2hGabriele MarcottiIf Man City are going to win the Premier League, all roads lead to Haaland18hMark OgdenRaucous Anfield crowd backs Slot as Liverpool returns to form2dBeth LindopTransfer rumors, news: Kane considering shock Barcelona move58mESPNBronze makes history in FIFPRO Women’s World 111hEmily KeoghplayWhat’s behind Liverpool’s defensive issues? (1:30)Mario Melchiot questions Liverpool’s defence amid signs of uncertainty between Virgil van Dijk and Milos Kerkez. (1:30)Beth LindopNov 3, 2025, 06:25 AM ETCloseBased in Liverpool, Beth Lindop is ESPN’s Liverpool correspondent and also covers the WSL and UWCL.Follow on XEmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFormerManchester Unitedstriker Wayne Rooney has said he “sticks by” his criticism ofVirgil van Dijkafter theLiverpoolcaptain branded his suggestion the Reds have lacked leadership this season “lazy.”Rooney singled out Van Dijk and teammateMohamed Salahlast week when discussing Liverpool’s recent poor run of form, saying the pair’s body language this term is “not right.”When asked about Rooney’s comments following Liverpool’s 2-0 win overAston Villaon Saturday, Van Dijk said: “I can say only positive things [about Rooney], but I feel like that comment is just I would say a bit of a lazy criticism.”That’s my personal opinion. It’s easy to blame all the players but he knows obviously as well as everyone else we do it together, trying to help each and every one of us trying to get out of this.”Rooney has since doubled down on his comments but admits he has “full respect” for the Liverpool defender.Speaking on the latest episode of BBC’s The Wayne Rooney Show, theEnglandlegend said: “Virgil van Dijk’s similar to Salah, you know, over the last five years he’s been one of, if not the best defender in the world, and last year it was hard to say anything bad because they were that good, and he was that good.- Mario Balotelli ability feted by ex-Liverpool teammate-Alexander-Arnold: Anfield reception won’t change love for Liverpool-Liverpool’s Van Dijk hits back at Rooney over ‘lazy criticism'”I’m sure he’ll come out and tell you, he probably hasn’t been at his best this season, if he’s honest with himself. And as captain, your job as captain if things aren’t go…
Published: 2025-11-03T14:26:31
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