Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk took issue with Wayne Rooney’s accusation that his form had slipped as a direct consequence of the new two-year deal he signed last season while awkwardly stood next to the former Manchester United forward.
Rooney also questioned Van Dijk’s leadership qualities amid a run of six defeats in seven games for the defending Premier League champions. The Dutch skipper had previously fired back at the pundit from afar, labelling the “ridiculous takes” as “lazy criticism.”
The retired England international vowed to “stick by” his comments from the comfort of his own spare room while recording the latest episode of his podcast, but the two protagonists were forced face-to-face on Tuesday night.
Buoyed by a composed 1–0 Champions League win over Real Madrid, Liverpool’s second in succession, Van Dijk held court among ’s fleet of pundits, one of whom just so happened to be Rooney.
“I think if you would watch games then I would definitely take responsibility,” the 34-year-old began. “I think the comment that I signed my new deal and then that’s it, I’d let it slide, I think that was a bit…” he said, trailing off, “but that’s my personal opinion and we move on.”
Much of Van Dijk’s pitch-side appearance was largely in good spirits.
“In a world of chaos you have to try and stay calm. I think at times the noise was a lot,” the Liverpool centre back said, a wry smile creeping around the corner of his mouth while aiming his gaze directly at host Gabby Logan.
“You looking at anybody around here in particular?” Logan cheekily asked.
“It is over the top at times,” Van Dijk continued. “We live in a world with so many platforms and so many people that can say stuff which will be picked up and made bigger than what it is. Ex-players that played at the highest level dealt with difficult moments as well to put it into perspective.”
