Wayne Rooney criticises Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk for ‘lazy’ defending against PSG

Wayne Rooney has criticised Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, labeling him as “lazy” after the Reds conceded a goal to Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League encounter.

Following a 1-0 victory in Paris last week, Liverpool found themselves trailing at Anfield in the second leg after just 12 minutes, as Ousmane Dembélé scored from close range.

The move began with Dembélé, who passed the ball wide to Bradley Barcola before sprinting into the box to receive the return pass.

Despite pressure from Dominik Szoboszlai and Ibrahima Konate, with goalkeeper Alisson rushing out, Dembélé managed to bundle the ball into the net, giving PSG the lead.

Former Manchester United striker Rooney was critical of Van Dijk’s apparent lack of urgency, blaming the Liverpool captain for not sensing the danger and failing to react in time to prevent the goal.

Speaking on Amazon Prime at half-time, Rooney said: “This goal from Liverpool’s point of view is wrong in so many ways. Van Dijk gets lazy. He is walking and leaves a massive gap to Dembele.

“All he needs to do is come across and cover. Dembele has a lot of space and gets the ball out wide. Konate doesn’t switch on and then Dembele gets the tap in.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold Hands Liverpool Major Injury Scare

After PSG’s opener, neither side could find the back of the net in the remaining 90 minutes, forcing the game into extra time.

However, Arne Slot will be concerned by the injury to full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was forced off in the second half after landing awkwardly on the sideline. Jarell Quansah replaced him.

It is now uncertain whether Alexander-Arnold will be fit to face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final this weekend.