Wayne Rooney has raised serious concerns about the performance and leadership dynamics of the Reds’ two senior players, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, following an alarming downturn in form at Liverpool.
The Reds suffered four consecutive defeats in the Premier League, falling to seventh place in the league.
Just a month ago they were sitting comfortably at the top of the table, but defeats against Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Manchester United and Brentford turned their season into a complete disaster that many did not expect.
Wayne Rooney questions Salah and Van Dijk
The performances of several Liverpool players have come under intense scrutiny this season, and given their poor performance of late, it’s easy to see why.
Rooney questioned Van Dijk and Salah, two of the team’s most experienced and senior players who recently signed new contracts with the club, about their negative impact on the team.
Speaking on the Wayne Rooney Show, he said:
“I think Van Dijk and Salah obviously signed new contracts and things like that, but I don’t think they really led the team this season.
“I think body language says a lot. I think the body language of both of them is a little different. They’re the top two players on the team and if their body language isn’t right, it affects everyone else.
“I don’t know, maybe I’m wrong on this, but if I were a Liverpool fan or manager, that would be a big concern for me.”
Liverpool have been in poor form lately.
The timing of the criticism exacerbates the concerns.
Liverpool signed a number of high-profile attacking players and defenders this summer, but the results have been disappointing.
The four-game losing streak means the Reds have lost momentum as the title race intensifies.
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