Alan Shearer unleashes at Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk after fresh dig - 'Really poor'

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Rooney would admit earlier this week that he "went a bit too strong" with his criticism of the Dutchman but also called on the Reds skipper to focus on his game.But given Liverpool have lost four away games in succession for the first time in 13 years and have conceded 17 goals in their 11 league matches, Shearer has told Van Dijk that pundits are well within their right to have a go at him and his team-mates.READ MORE: Ibrahima Konate explains Hugo Ekitike's determination to become Liverpool and France starREAD MORE: Florian Wirtz bold Liverpool claim made after Julian Nagelsmann blunt comments - 'In time'“I think it's very difficult as a player to come out and have a pop back when you've lost five games this season and in the manner you've lost them,” he told Betfair.“You're entitled to do that, I guess, as a captain. He's trying to stick up for his team."I think the bigger picture is, if you're going to come back and have a pop at a pundit for saying that you've been poor, then you've got to back it up.

They were really, really poor, so I think the pundits are well within their reason to have a pop.”Following Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad, Arne Slot’s side are now eight points behind leaders Arsenal.And former Newcastle United forward Shearer believes not only are Liverpool out of the title race, but they won’t win anything this season if they don’t improve.He said: “If Liverpool continue to play like they did against Manchester City, then they won't win anything.“They'll get dumped out of whatever competitions they're in. They've got the FA Cup and the Champions League, but I do think the league's gone for them now they've lost five games.“I don't see them being in a title race now.

I think they would have to probably win every single game between now and the end of the season.“I don't think that's possible. It's the Champions League or the FA Cup for Liverpool, but they won't be winning any of those unless they improve anyway.”