Wayne Rooney has claimed that Liverpool’s slump in form is the result of a lack of leadership within the squad, warning that senior figures such as Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have failed to inspire the team during their worst Premier League run in years.
The defending champions have now lost four league games in a row — against Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Manchester United, and most recently Brentford — leaving them seventh in the table, seven points adrift of leaders Arsenal.
Saturday’s 3–2 defeat to Brentford saw Arne Slot’s side outplayed for long spells, deepening concerns over their ability to defend their title.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the former England captain said he was troubled by what he described as poor body language from Liverpool’s most influential players.
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“No one saw 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,” Rooney said.
“This is the moment where the manager and the leaders in that dressing room need to figure it out very quickly.”
He added: “Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have both signed new deals, but I don’t think they’ve really led that team this season.
Wayne Rooney has claimed that Liverpool’s slump in form is the result of a lack of leadership within the squad, warning that senior figures such as Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have failed to inspire the team during their worst Premier League run in years
|GETTY
“Body language tells you a lot, and I think we’re seeing something different from both of them.
“They’re the top two players in that squad, and if their body language isn’t right, that affects everyone else.
“I might be wrong, but if I were a Liverpool fan or the manager, I’d be very concerned.”
Liverpool have lost four Premier League matches on the bounce | GETTY/GBNEWSLATEST DEVELOPMENTS
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Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have been well off the pace for Liverpool this season
|GETTY
Liverpool’s struggles come in stark contrast to the form of league leaders Arsenal, who appear poised to mount a genuine title challenge.
Mikel Arteta’s side have won their last four Premier League matches without conceding, including a 1–0 victory over Crystal Palace at the weekend.
Rooney believes Arsenal are now ready to end their 22-year wait for a league crown.
“The squad is good enough now, and they’ve had the experience of going close. I think they’re ready for it,” he said.
“If they don’t win it this season, you’d probably see a change of manager.”
The Manchester United legend also highlighted his former club’s resurgence in recent weeks.
Wayne Rooney has hailed Manchester United star Bryan Mbeumo amid the Red Devils' resurgent form
| REUTERSUnited climbed to sixth in the table after a 4–2 win over Brighton — their third straight victory — drawing level with Manchester City and moving a point clear of Liverpool.
Rooney reserved particular praise for Bryan Mbeumo, who has scored five goals this season, including three in his last two matches.
The Cameroon international joined United from Brentford in the summer for £65million, a move Rooney initially questioned.
“I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure about him when he came in,” he admitted.
“But his energy, his work-rate, his desire — that’s what you need to be a United player. He’s shown he belongs there.”
Rooney added: “He’s been consistent with his performances. If you’re consistently getting into the right positions and creating chances, you’ll score 20 goals a season. That’s what he’s starting to prove.”