Former England striker Wayne Rooney has claimed Liverpool’s struggles this season stem from a lack of leadership.
The Reds have lost four straight Premier League games and sit in seventh place, seven points behind leaders Arsenal.
Arne Slot’s side were brutally outplayed in Saturday’s 3-2 loss to Brentford, which followed defeats to Crystal Palace, Chelsea, and Manchester United in a troubling opening nine league games.
In the newest episode of The Wayne Rooney Show, the five-time Premier League winner said the body language of captain Virgil van Dijk and talismanic striker Mohamed Salah during Liverpool’s difficult period was a “big concern.”
“No-one has seen 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,” said the Man United legend.
“This is a period when the manager and the leaders of the squad need to sort it out very quickly.
“Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have signed new contracts, but I don’t believe they have led the squad this season.
“I believe body language says a lot, and I think we’re seeing slightly different body language from the two of them. They are the top two players on the squad, and if their body language is off, it impacts everyone else.
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“I might be wrong on this, but if I was a Liverpool fan or the manager, that would be a big concern for me.”
Arteta at risk if Arsenal ‘don’t win title now’
In contrast to Liverpool’s issues, Arsenal appear to be in a strong position to win the title for the first time since 2004, having finished second in the previous three seasons.
Mikel Arteta’s team has won their previous four league games with three straight clean sheets, culminating in Sunday’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace.
“The squad is good enough now, and I think they’ve had the experiences that have brought them close, but I think they’re ready,” stated Manchester United’s record scorer Wayne Rooney.
“If they don’t win it now, you’d probably see a change of manager.”
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