‘My job is to give my opinions on what I feel’ - Rooney responds to Van Dijk's comment
Liverpool's season have hit a low in the last couple of weeks, having lost four Premier League games in a row.
Their disappointing performance has led to considerable criticism from fans and pundits, who have questioned the leadership of some key players in the team.
Rooney made a comment that led to a reaction from Van Dijk, who claimed ‘he didn't hear him last year’.
Rooney responds to Van Dijk
Rooney later stood by his assessment on his podcast, while also praising the defender. "I've got full respect for Virgil. I think he's a fantastic player," he said. "My job now as a pundit is to give my opinions on what I feel."
"I'm sure if you ask him or Arne Slot, he probably hasn't been as good as he has been over the last few years. That was my comment, which I stick by."
Liverpool returned to winning ways after losing four games in a row, defeating Aston Villa 2-0 on Saturday night.
The Reds, currently seven points behind leaders Arsenal and in third place in the Premier League, face a crucial week.
They are scheduled to play Real Madrid in the Champions League at home on Tuesday, followed by an important league match away against Manchester City on Sunday.