Liverpool’s leadership under scrutiny: Wayne Rooney singles out Virgil van Dijk & Mohamed Salah
In the midst of a worrying slump for Liverpool, former England striker Wayne Rooney has publicly criticised the club’s senior figures — Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah — for their perceived lack of leadership this season.
The context
After winning the Premier League title in the previous campaign, Liverpool’s form has taken a dramatic turn. The team sits seventh in the table, trailing leaders by seven points, with four consecutive league defeats.
Rooney argues that at this critical juncture, the responsibility lies with the manager and the leaders within the squad to arrest the slide — and he believes the latter aren’t delivering.
Specific criticisms from Rooney
- He pinpointed the body language of Van Dijk and Salah as a “big concern”, suggesting that when the top players in the dressing room appear unsettled, it destabilises those around them.
- Rooney said: “They’ve signed new deals but I don’t think they’ve really led that team this season.”
- He added: “This is a time where the manager and the leaders in the team need to figure it out very quickly.”
Why it matters
Van Dijk, as the club captain and defensive lynchpin, and Salah, as the talismanic forward with the highest profile at Anfield, are expected to set standards both on and off the pitch. When two figures of that stature appear to be underperforming in terms of leadership, it tends to ripple through the squad.
- A lack of defensive solidity: Liverpool’s defence, led by Van Dijk, is not operating at the level it once did.
- A dip in attacking output: Salah’s form has also drawn criticism, with fewer goal contributions than expected for a player of his class.
The synergy between leadership, performance, and mindset is vital. Rooney’s concern is that the downward trajectory isn’t purely tactical but also psychological.
Possible implications
- Internal reflection: The manager and coaching staff may need to address the issue of leadership explicitly — not just performance.
- Player accountability: Van Dijk and Salah may need to step up publicly and privately to galvanise the team.
- Squad cohesion: If the senior players are seen as stepping back, younger players may struggle to pick up the slack.
- Pressure on Liverpool’s turnaround: With big fixtures ahead and the title challenge slipping away, the need for leadership is not just desirable — it’s urgent.
In summary, Rooney’s comments serve as a sharp reminder that at elite clubs like Liverpool, leadership is not an optional extra — it’s foundational. The responsibility to lead falls on the shoulders of the most experienced and influential players. If Van Dijk and Salah do not respond effectively — and quickly — the consequences could extend well beyond the next few games.
