![\"Virgil](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/0_Virgil-van-Dijk-Arne-Slot.jpg\")
Virgil van Dijk has “been a very good captain” for Arne Slot(Image: Liverpool FC, Liverpool FC via Getty Images)<\/p>\nVirgil van Dijk and Wayne Rooney’s back-and-forth over recent weeks came to a head when the Amazon Prime pundit was working at Anfield as Liverpool beat Real MadridVirgil van Dijk has “been a very good captain” for Arne Slot(Image: Liverpool FC, Liverpool FC via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Arne Slot has defended Virgil van Dijk<\/a> after the Liverpool<\/a> captain faced criticism over his leadership from Wayne Rooney<\/a>. The former Everton<\/a> and Manchester United<\/a> striker claimed last month that he did not think Van Dijk had properly captained the Reds this season.<\/p>\n The Liverpool skipper hit back at the remarks, branding them “lazy”<\/a>, though Rooney has stuck to his guns. The pair then thrashed out their disagreement<\/a> at Anfield following Tuesday night’s 1-0 Champions League<\/a> victory against Real Madrid<\/a>.<\/p>\n Rooney remains unmoved on his stance. Nevertheless, he did admit that suggesting Van Dijk had stopped trying after penning a fresh deal was harsh<\/a>.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Jamie Carragher delivers telling big-game verdict on Mo Salah ahead of Man City clash<\/a>READ MORE: Liverpool star given contract hint by Arne Slot as Steven Gerrard left ‘proud’<\/a><\/p>\n Slot<\/a> addressed Van Dijk’s captaincy during Friday’s press conference. He explained: “I’ve picked captains at my former clubs where the age of the players was much younger.<\/p>\n “Maybe not completely because they were already the leader of the team, but hoping that it could help them become a leader of the team. But with Virgil, it’s so clear that he’s the leader of this team.<\/p>\n “When you walk through the AXA [training centre], when we start the training session. You can hear him, you can feel he’s our leader.<\/p>\n “He’s already been so important for this club for so many years, but I don’t think I’ve had many captains who were so vocal, so loud as he is. He’s been a very good captain for me, and since he became the captain of this club.<\/p>\n “He sets the bar at 10 out of 10, and when he has a nine out of 10 [performance], he sometimes gets criticised, too. I think other players will get compliments for a nine out of 10, but he gets criticised for that.<\/p>\n “He has had similar form to last season,” Slot continued with Sky Sports<\/a>. “But there were one or two moments this season where he could have done better defensively.<\/p>\n “And he got criticised by that straightaway. Maybe he should see it as a compliment – because that’s where he set the bar from.”<\/p>\n Join our new WhatsApp community<\/a> and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us, and our partners.<\/p>\n If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.<\/a><\/p>\n Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package<\/p>\n This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/a> \u00a343<\/p>\n \u00a335<\/p>\n Sky<\/p>\n![\"Wayne](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/0_Wayne-Rooney.jpg\")
Wayne Rooney has called out Virgil van Dijk this season(Image: Carl Recine, Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"Arne](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/0_arne-slottttPNG.png\")
Arne Slot spoke at length about Virgil van Dijk during his press conference(Image: Liverpool FC)<\/p>\n![\"Content](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/1744106962_61_0_Sky-Factbox.jpg\")
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