Wayne Rooney suffers 'verbal punch' from Virgil van Dijk as angry unseen moment explained

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According to body language expert, Judi James, Rooney appeared "nervous" and even winced when Van Dijk called him out indirectly.READ MORE: Virgil van Dijk's final message to Wayne Rooney on air sums Liverpool star upREAD MORE: Virgil van Dijk admits what Arsenal 'flying' right now is down to in Liverpool confession"There's some nervous-looking wry smiling from Rooney as Virgil is speaking first and the side-eye and thin grins from Rooney form announcement gestures to let everyone know he wants to interject," she said speaking exclusively to ECHO."When Virgil uses the phrase 'especially ex-players that played at the highest level' Rooney bares his upper teeth in what looks like both a wince and a chuckle or smile of acknowledgement."She added: "When Virgil comes back with his comments [later] we can see Rooney almost physically reel away as he laughs, as though suffering a virtual, verbal 'punch'."James also noted that Van Dijk appeared uneasy, with the defender reluctant to make eye contact with Rooney or display much emotion. Still, Van Dijk made it clear he stood by his earlier criticism."I think at times the noise was a lot," Van Dijk said with a smirk.

I can say for me personally it doesn't affect me but as a captain I am dealing with players who may be affected about it."When asked if he felt the criticism had been unfair, Van Dijk said: "I think it is over the top at times as well at that point, but that is because we live in a world with so many platforms and so many people can say stuff, it will be picked up and made bigger. "I think what I've said was fair when you win the Premier League and then go on a run where you lose three or four games in a row, which you don't expect from Liverpool over the last few years."As Virgil is captain I think that is your opportunity to go and lead the players and that is what I was saying.

That happens in football and I think the response has been great from Virgil and the team."Van Dijk, however, hit back, saying: "I think if you watched games then I would definitely take responsibility. I think the comment that I signed my new deal and then it was like 'that is it' and I let it slide, I think that was a bit... but that's my personal opinion and we move on."Rooney's initial comments came following Liverpool's 3-2 defeat to Brentford last month, their fourth successive loss in the league.