Van Dijk and Alisson must warn Liverpool’s £34m talent to stop being lazy, claims Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney Urges Liverpool Leaders to Address Salah’s Work Rate Concerns

Reports indicate that Wayne Rooney has called on Liverpool captains Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker to confront what he perceives as a growing issue with the work ethic of one of the team’s biggest stars — Mohamed Salah. The former England striker reportedly identified Salah’s defensive effort as a particular area of concern following recent performances.

Rooney’s criticism centers on Liverpool’s 2-1 loss to Chelsea, where he highlighted Salah’s reluctance to track back and support right-back Conor Bradley, who appeared to struggle defensively during the match. Rooney suggested that such lapses in defensive contribution have become more noticeable amid the team’s current dip in form.

The comments come after Liverpool’s second straight Premier League defeat, which has coincided with a four-game goal drought for Salah. Rooney argued that while a team can sometimes overlook a forward’s limited defensive work during periods of success, consecutive losses have made these weaknesses more evident.

It’s not the first time Rooney has taken aim at Liverpool’s work ethic. Earlier in 2025, he labeled Virgil van Dijk as “lazy” following a Champions League defeat to PSG — remarks that the Dutch defender quickly dismissed, insisting that the team remains focused on its objectives and overall performance.

As pressure mounts on Liverpool to rediscover their winning form, Rooney’s latest comments add another layer of scrutiny to the team’s internal dynamics — and to Salah’s recent struggles in particular.