Wayne Rooney has pointed advice for Virgil van Dijk as spat continues - 'Focus on your game'

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Mirror or go back to LFC Live.

The back and forth between Wayne Rooney and Virgil van Dijk has continued, with the former Manchester United forward taking aim at the Liverpool captain again after his latest lossWayne Rooney has landed the latest blow in his war of wards with Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and advised him not to concern himself with “outside noise”. Rooney has told the Reds star to focus on his game in the latest volley from the ex-Manchester United star.Van Dijk was criticised by Rooney last month, with his commitment since signing a new contract called into question.

But after Arne Slot’s side were beaten 3-0 by Manchester City, their fifth defeat in six Premier League games, Rooney has again criticised Van Dijk's performances.The former Derby and DC United boss admitted he was wrong to question Van Dijk's commitment, but suggested the Dutch defender needed to steer clear of wading into the noise outside of Liverpool's dressing room. I like to think I try and be straight and honest with my opinions on what I feel and what I see.READ MORE: Wayne Rooney and Jamie Carragher disagree over Florian Wirtz transfer with Liverpool 'questions' claimREAD MORE: Liverpool receive January transfer boost as Marc Guehi alternative opens door to move“I said on my podcast the other day, the one thing where I maybe went a bit too strong is where I said he’s maybe downed tools since he signed a new contract – that’s a big statement to say, so maybe I was wrong on that.“But from a performance level, from what we’ve seen, Van Dijk, I don’t think he’s been at the level he has this season.“I said I’m sure as captain he’d be speaking to players, taking the team out for food, which he said he has done.

Clearly, if he’s felt he’s done that, he’s had to do that, then there’s something not right.“As champions, you can’t lose four games in a row. If you lose one game, there’s questions, and if you lose four in a row, there’s something not right.“I think getting involved too much in the outside noise – that’s our job.