Van Dijk challenges Rooney in awkward exchange after 'over the top' criticism

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Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW📺 Image: Virgil van Dijk said some criticism of Liverpool had been 'over the top' Van Dijk, standing directly next to Rooney, told Prime in his post-match interview after Liverpool's win that sometimes the outside noise was "over the top" without directly referencing the comments from the Manchester United legend.He then added: "It would be good if especially ex-players that played at the highest level, that dealt with difficult moments as well, would put a lot of things in perspective." Rooney, who appeared taken aback by the defender's comments, responded by saying: "I think what I've said is fair." He added: "The response [to their struggles] has been great from Virgil and the team." Also See: Liverpool news and transfer latest Liverpool fixtures Watch FREE Premier League highlights Get Sky Sports on WhatsApp Van Dijk, however, disagreed and replied: "I think if you would watch games, then I would definitely take the responsibility."I think the comment that I signed my new deal, and then it's like, that's it and I let [things] slide, I think that was a bit...but that's my personal opinion."Van Dijk and Rooney's exchange in fullVan Dijk: "At times the noise was a lot. It is normal in that sense."It's over the top at times as well, but that is because we live in a world where there are so many platforms, so many people can say stuff and will be picked up and made bigger than what it is."I think it would be good for ex-players that played at the highest level that dealt with difficult moments to put things in perspective."Rooney: "I'm not saying anything more because I think I've spurred them on!

I think what I've said was fair."When you win the Premier League and then you go on a run where you lose three, four games in a row, which you don't expect from Liverpool over the last few years."And then Virgil, you as the captain, that's your opportunity to go and lead the players in. That happens in football and I think the response has been great from Virgil, from the team."Van Dijk: "I think if you would watch games, then I would definitely take the responsibility.

I think the comment that I signed my new deal, and then it's like that's it, and I let it slide. And I want to turn this around because I also see the hard work we put in each and every day.