Wayne Rooney has called out Liverpool duo Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk following the Reds' shock 3-2 defeat to Brentford on Saturday (October 25). Arne Slot's men have now lost four on the bounce, and the league table makes for grim reading.
A visit to the Gtech is always a difficult trip, but, as Slot admitted, this was the worst performance of the team's season thus far. They were second best, and only Dominik Szoboszlai could hold his head up high on reflection of his display.
While the Bees' winner came through a hugely controversial penalty, one of several questionable refereeing calls, the hosts deserved the win. This is the type of game you expect your leaders to step up, but confidence is at a low within Slot's group.
Rooney questions Van Dijk and Salah's leadership
Van Dijk and Salah headed into the season after penning new deals with the club, which makes them two of the highest earners in the league. They were crucial for Slot last season, with Van Dijk putting in world-class performances at the back and Salah hitting 29 goals in 38 games.
Rooney wasn't afraid to aim for the pair while speaking on BBC Sport:
"Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, they've signed new deals but I don't think they've really led that team this season."
Van Dijk has captained the Reds since the summer of 2023, taking the armband from Jordan Henderson, who ironically was skippering Brentford at the Gtech. His ability has never been questioned, but his leadership qualities haven't always met expectations.
Marco van Basten said that the 34-year-old needed to show more leadership last year with a brutal assessment of the Netherlands skipper. Van Basten is one of several iconic Dutchmen to have voiced their concerns with the Merseysiders' centre-back.
Salah was faultless last season, thriving in Slot's attack and winning the Golden Boot while firing the Reds to the title. But he has been a shell of his usual self this term, looking lost at times, including in the Brentford loss when he was quiet until getting on the scoresheet.
The 33-year-old's future was a major talking point this time last year but it didn't serve as a distraction as he found the back of the net continuously. But he was also putting in dominant displays that gave the club no choice but to hand him a new deal.