The captain of Liverpool, Virgil van Dijk, defended himself after the former striker of Manchester United Rooney criticized the Dutch skipper for his role in Paris Saint-Germain in Anfield on Tuesday evening.
Ousmane Dembel fired PSG at night and put the last 16 tie of the Champions League into level in the second leg. The in-form franc became a false nine as a striker during the week and left the front to receive the ball in space before playing Bradley Barcola Breit, whose low cross finally fell for Dembele to lure himself.
Rooney, in his capacity as an expert for Amazon PrimeLiverpool’s captain took off when he analyzed the goal. “They try to press the ball and van Dijk is getting lazy,” said the former England International. “If you keep an eye on van Dijk, he goes to Dembele and leaves a massive gap.
No gates were scored, which forced the draw for a penalty shootout that PSG won.
Van Dijk has not dealt with this European excretion – instead the production of his daughter is observed by his daughter Fantastic MR Fox – But the topic of Rooney’s criticism was raised this week. “Someone told me about it,” Van Dijk admitted. “I think I help at that moment [Andrew] Robertson told him that he should clear the outdoor area. I take the inside. I’m even explaining what I thought at that moment, but when he [Rooney] thought it was lazy, then he gave his opinion. That’s it.
“There were so many challenges for these players years ago, and of course it is a challenge for the players that they have to do with opinions here and there and that they are constantly blown up.
“When I looked at what I see in the changing room, the boys are doing well to keep their heads down and concentrate on the upcoming task. This is the most important thing I want to see. Nobody will sail smoothly, especially if they are in the Premier League.
“If we get the reward for this at the end of the season, Liverpool will safely jump.”
Van Dijk and his teammates could be rewarded on Sunday evening when Liverpool competed in the Carabao Cup final in the Wembley Stadium against Newcastle United.