Wayne Rooney has pointed advice for Virgil van Dijk as spat continues - 'Focus on your game'

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Wayne Rooney has landed the latest blow in his war of wards with Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and advised him not to concern himself with “outside noise”. Rooney has told the Reds star to focus on his game in the latest volley from the ex-Manchester United star.

Van Dijk was criticised by Rooney last month, with his commitment since signing a new contract called into question. The pair were then involved in an awkward exchange as they addressed the situation face-to-face during Amazon Prime’s coverage of the Reds’ victory against Real Madrid last Tuesday .

Former England and United striker Rooney later stated on an episode of The Wayne Rooney Show that he had been “a bit unfair” with his comment . But after Arne Slot ’s side were beaten 3-0 by Manchester City , their fifth defeat in six Premier League games, Rooney has again criticised Van Dijk's performances.

The former Derby and DC United boss admitted he was wrong to question Van Dijk's commitment, but suggested the Dutch defender needed to steer clear of wading into the noise outside of Liverpool's dressing room. Rooney believes Van Dijk risks having a negative impact on less experienced team-mates.

Speaking about Van Dijk on the Overlap Fan Debate podcast, Rooney said: “My job now is to give my opinions. I like to think I try and be straight and honest with my opinions on what I feel and what I see.

“I said on my podcast the other day, the one thing where I maybe went a bit too strong is where I said he’s maybe downed tools since he signed a new contract – that’s a big statement to say, so maybe I was wrong on that.

“But from a performance level, from what we’ve seen, Van Dijk, I don’t think he’s been at the level he has this season.

“I said I’m sure as captain he’d be speaking to players, taking the team out for food, which he said he has done. Clearly, if he’s felt he’s done that, he’s had to do that, then there’s something not right.

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“As champions, you can’t lose four games in a row. If you lose one game, there’s questions, and if you lose four in a row, there’s something not right.

“I think getting involved too much in the outside noise – that’s our job. Focus on your game, because as a younger player, I’d be looking at Van Dijk and how he reacts to this, how is that going to help them? I just think you have to get on with your game and speak internally.”

The defeat to City left Liverpool, who lost four straight games in all competitions in September and October, in eighth place in the table, eight points behind leaders Arsenal going into the international break.

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