Rooney claims Liverpool lack leadership after recording fourth PL loss in a row
Virgil van Dijk has the tough task of rallying his players after a poor start to the season
Wayne Rooney believes Liverpool’s faltering start to the Premier League season stems from a shortage of on-field leadership.
The defending champions have endured a nightmare run of four straight league defeats, leaving them seventh in the table and already seven points adrift of leaders Arsenal.
Saturday’s 3-2 loss to Brentford only deepened the gloom around Arne Slot’s side, who were second best throughout the contest.
That defeat followed earlier setbacks against Crystal Palace, Chelsea and Manchester United, capping off a miserable first nine games of their title defence.
Speaking on the latest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show, the former England striker expressed alarm at the demeanour of Liverpool’s senior figures, particularly captain Virgil van Dijk and star forward Mohamed Salah, during this difficult spell.
“No-one has seen this coming, it’s hit them quick, it’s hit them hard and I think they’re struggling to find a way out of it,” he said.
“This is a time where the manager and the leaders in the team need to figure it out very quickly.
“Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, they’ve signed new deals but I don’t think they’ve really led that team this season.
“I think body language tells you a lot, and I think we’re seeing slightly different body language from the two of them.
“They are the top two players in that team and if their body language is not right, that affects everyone else.
“I might be wrong on this, but if I was a Liverpool fan or the manager, that would be a big concern for me.”