Alan Shearer sends message to Virgil van Dijk after fresh Liverpool dig - 'Really poor'

 Alan Shearer has told Virgil van Dijk pundits have every right to criticise his Liverpool side because of their poor run of form. The Reds captain has become embroiled in a war of words with Wayne Rooney in recent weeks.

The former England international first criticised Van Dijk after the Reds lost 3-2 to Brentford last month. Rooney claimed Van Dijk had "downed tools" after signing a new deal.

The Dutchman hit back at what he regarded as "lazy" comments, and the two were then involved in an awkward exchange live on Amazon Prime as they addressed the situation face-to-face following Liverpool’s 1-0 Champions League victory over Real Madrid at Anfield.

Rooney would admit earlier this week that he "went a bit too strong" with his criticism of the centre-back. But given Liverpool have lost four away games in succession for the first time in 13 years and have conceded 17 goals in their 11 league matches, Shearer has told Van Dijk that pundits have every right to question him and his team-mates.

“I think it's very difficult as a player to come out and have a pop back when you've lost five games this season and in the manner you've lost them,” he told Betfair.

“You're entitled to do that, I guess, as a captain. He's trying to stick up for his team. I think the bigger picture is, if you're going to come back and have a pop at a pundit for saying that you've been poor, then you've got to back it up.

“And the game after that, he was really poor himself again, and as his team were. Your best talking is on the pitch and getting results.

“They were really, really poor, so I think the pundits are well within their reason to have a pop.”

The Reds are now eight points behind leaders Arsenal following Sunday’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad. And former Newcastle United forward Shearer believes not only are Liverpool out of the title race, but they won’t win anything this season if they don’t improve.

He said: “If Liverpool continue to play like they did against Manchester City, then they won't win anything.

“They'll get dumped out of whatever competitions they're in. They've got the FA Cup and the Champions League, but I do think the league's gone for them now they've lost five games.

“I don't see them being in a title race now. I think they would have to probably win every single game between now and the end of the season.

“I don't think that's possible. So, I think their title race is done. It's the Champions League or the FA Cup for Liverpool, but they won't be winning any of those unless they improve anyway.”