Virgil van Dijk responds strongly to criticism after Liverpool victory: ‘Ridiculous opinions’

In return for TNT Sports said the 34-year-old Dutchman: “What has struck me in recent weeks is that there is a lot of noise that you have no control over and that we have to deal with as a team. Some of those opinions are downright ridiculous. But you have to deal with that. It is noise from outside that can reach certain players, the group. It is important to stay together.”

Wayne Rooney critical after another Liverpool defeat: ‘Virgil van Dijk lacks leadership’

We now live in a world, at least for footballers, because that’s all I can talk about, where everyone can express their opinion on so many platforms and everyone knows best. We have to try to stay away from that and focus on the hard work we have done.

It is not clear exactly who Van Dijk was referring to, but Wayne Rooney, among others, has criticized the defender and Liverpool in recent weeks. “We don’t step onto the field to lose games or to disappoint. We want to give everything for victory, but there are no guarantees. We play in the Premier League, the highest level of the biggest competition.”

Welcome boost for Liverpool and Arne Slot: partly thanks to goal Ryan Gravenberch, Aston Villa is defeated

After five defeats in six matches, it was not always easy, Van Dijk acknowledged. “It’s difficult to stay calm, but that’s what you have to do if you want to get back to where we want to be. That’s one of the most important things, but that’s something to look at later in the season.”