Former England striker Wayne Rooney believes Liverpool’s early-season struggles stem from a lack of leadership within the squad, pointing to concerning signs from senior figures such as Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.
The reigning Premier League champions have endured a dismal run, suffering four consecutive league defeats to slip to seventh place, seven points behind leaders Arsenal. Their latest setback, a 3-2 loss to Brentford on Saturday, followed disappointing results against Crystal Palace, Chelsea, and Manchester United, leaving Arne Slot under mounting scrutiny just nine games into the campaign.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the former Manchester United captain said Liverpool’s on-field demeanor reflects deeper issues.
“No one saw this coming. It’s hit them quick, it’s hit them hard, and they’re struggling to find a way out,” Rooney said. “This is when the manager and senior players need to step up. Van Dijk and Salah have new contracts, but I don’t think they’ve really led the team this season. Body language tells you a lot, and theirs doesn’t look right — that affects everyone else.”
Rooney added that while Liverpool have the talent to recover, the lack of visible leadership could derail their title defence unless addressed swiftly.
“If I were a Liverpool fan or the manager, I’d be seriously concerned,” he concluded.
Arteta must deliver as Arsenal hit their stride
In contrast, Arsenal appear well-positioned to challenge for their first league title since 2004, having won their last four matches, including three straight clean sheets capped by Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
“The squad is ready now,” said Rooney. “They’ve learned from the near misses of recent years. If they don’t win it this time, I think there’ll be a change of manager.”
Manager Mikel Arteta, who has guided Arsenal to three successive second-place finishes, faces growing expectations to finally convert promise into silverware.
Rooney praises Mbeumo’s rise at Manchester United
Turning to his former club, Manchester United, Rooney hailed the form of Bryan Mbeumo, who has played a key role in United’s revival. Their 4-2 victory over Brighton marked a third successive win, lifting them to sixth place, level on points with Manchester City and one ahead of Liverpool.
Mbeumo, signed for £65m from Brentford in the summer, has found form with three goals in his last two games, and Rooney admitted his initial doubts about the Cameroonian forward have been dispelled.
“His energy, work rate, and desire are exactly what you need to succeed at United,” Rooney said. “I was unsure at first, but he’s proving he belongs. He’s consistent, gets into good positions, and if he keeps that up, he’s a 20-goal-a-season player.”
Rooney’s remarks underline a shifting Premier League narrative — Liverpool searching for leadership, Arsenal poised for redemption, and Manchester United quietly building momentum.
