Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has fired back at recent criticism from Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney, dismissing claims that the Reds have lacked leadership this season as “lazy.”

The Liverpool centre-back has come under the spotlight this season after his team’s poor performances.

The Reds lost four league games in a row and from leading the Premier League table, they are now seven points behind Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.

Those poor performances from the Merseyside club highlighted the displays of all their players, particularly club captain Van Dijk who is the leader of their defense.

Wayne Rooney recently criticised Van Dijk

Rooney, speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show last week, questioned the attitude and body language of Liverpool’s senior players, particularly Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, suggesting that their demeanor on the pitch has not been up to the standard expected of leaders.

“Their body language this term isn’t right,” the former England striker remarked, pointing to what he perceived as a drop in intensity and authority among Liverpool’s key figures.

However, following Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at Anfield, Van Dijk was quick to defend both himself and his teammates, insisting that the team’s unity and collective effort remain as strong as ever.

“I didn’t...