'All of a sudden': Wayne Rooney says Virgil van Dijk now has a problem he's never faced at Liverpool before
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Virgil van Dijk is one of the very few experienced leaders still left at Liverpool from their dominant years under Jurgen Klopp.Mohamed Salah will leave at the end of 2025/26, and Alisson Becker could join Juventus this summer, seeing the Dutchman left as the most senior figure in the squad.However, while Van Dijk is regarded as one of the best centre-backs to compete in the Premier League, Wayne Rooney thinks he can no longer carry Liverpool’s backline by himself. Is a fifth-place finish enough to warrant Arne Slot remaining Liverpool manager?
Credit: Shaun Brooks/CameraSport/Getty Images Virgil van Dijk can no longer carry Liverpool’s defenceFans have questioned Van Dijk at times this season, and the Reds’ defensive record has declined compared to 2024/25.Now, speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the former England striker shared his view that for the first time ever, Liverpool’s captain now needs to be helped out by the rest of his backline.He said: “Yeah, I think Van Dijk needs help as well. Van Dijk’s been the one to help the other centre-backs over his career at Liverpool.
It’s probably the first season where he’s needed a bit of help around him.“And then the two full-backs changing with Trent and Robertson.“And then now, all of a sudden, he’s probably looking around the whole back line thinking, I need some help here.”Van Dijk was called ‘horrendous’ by an ex-Manchester United player on the back of the recent loss to Manchester City.Harsh words, for sure, but with the centre-back now 34 years of age and out of contract in 2027, Liverpool do need to start planning for the future.They have Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet as long-term options, but they could probably do with a slightly older name to come in soon while the young stoppers are still developing.On that front, Liverpool can sign Nico Schlotterbeck from Borussia Dortmund, but they only have until July 19 to activate his release clause and could face competition from Real Madrid.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox