Arne Slot says it is "so clear" that Virgil van Dijk is the leader of Liverpool.(Image: Getty Images)

Arne Slot has backed Virgil van Dijk after the Liverpool captain had his leadership questioned by Wayne Rooney. The former Everton and Manchester United player stated last month that he did not believe Van Dijk had truly led the Reds this season.

In response, the Liverpool skipper called the criticism "lazy", but Rooney continues to stand by his comments. They both then discussed their differences at Anfield after Tuesday's Champions League win over Real Madrid.

Rooney is still not backing down. However, he did concede that accusing Van Dijk of downing tools after signing a new contract was unfair.

Slot spoke about Van Dijk during his press conference on Friday, saying: "I've picked captains at my former clubs where the age of the players was much younger. Maybe not completely because they were already the leader of the team, but hoping that it could help them become a leader of the team.

"But with Virgil, it's so clear that he's the leader of this team. When you...