Wayne Rooney Criticizes Salah and Van Dijk for Lack of Leadership Amid Liverpool’s Struggles

Wayne Rooney has called out Liverpool’s senior stars, accusing Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk of failing to provide leadership during the club’s recent poor run of form.

Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the former Manchester United striker said the attitude of Liverpool’s key players has been disappointing in recent weeks.

“No one saw this coming — it’s hit them fast and hard, and they seem lost at the moment,” Rooney said, as quoted by BBC Sport. “This is when the manager and the leaders in that team need to step up and sort things out quickly.”

The five-time Premier League winner questioned whether Salah and Van Dijk have truly fulfilled their leadership roles this season.

“Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have both signed new contracts, but I don’t think they’ve really led the team,” he continued. “Body language says a lot, and right now theirs isn’t good. When your top players show that kind of energy, it spreads to the rest of the squad.

“I could be wrong, but if I were a Liverpool fan or the manager, I’d be seriously worried.”

Liverpool’s form has dipped sharply after a strong start to the season, piling pressure on Jürgen Klopp’s side to rediscover their rhythm.

Rooney also shared his thoughts on Arsenal, insisting that Mikel Arteta’s team have no excuse not to win the Premier League this season.

“Unlike Liverpool, Arsenal look ready to finally lift the title for the first time since 2004 after finishing second in the last three seasons,” he said. “The squad is strong, they’ve gained valuable experience, and if they don’t win it now, I think a managerial change could happen.”

Arsenal have been in impressive form recently, winning four consecutive league matches and keeping three clean sheets — including Sunday’s hard-fought 1–0 victory over Crystal Palace.