Van Dijk Claps Back at Rooneys Criticism Following Champions League Victory

Dutch defender and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk addressed former Manchester United player and England international Wayne Rooney after their victory over Real Madrid (1:0) in the fourth round of the Champions League group stage, responding to criticism directed at him.

Last week, Rooney suggested that Liverpool’s recent poor performance was largely due to the absence of a leader, putting much of the blame on the captain.

«I think if you have been watching the games, I would definitely take responsibility. Your comment about me signing a contract [and then not fulfilling my duties or playing poorly] felt a bit excessive. I wouldn’t focus too much on that,» Van Dijk said in a post-match interview.