Football icon Wayne Rooney has offered a candid assessment of Liverpool's experienced duo, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, suggesting that both players are beginning to show the effects of 'father time'. Speaking on 'The Wayne Rooney show', Rooney drew parallels with his own career, emphasizing the inevitable slowdown that comes with age. He stated that 'age gets to us all and your legs go,' attributing this to Salah's performance this season and observing that Van Dijk 'hasn't been the same this season'. Rooney also touched upon the leadership vacuum this creates, making it challenging for other players to step up.

Salah, aged 33, is reportedly set to depart Liverpool this summer after a distinguished nine-year tenure at Anfield. Rooney compared Salah's impending exit to his own decision to leave Manchester United at 31, driven by the desire to play regularly after Zlatan Ibrahimovic's arrival. Rooney highlighted the difficulty for players to accept a decline in their performance level, a realization he experienced firsthand. During his time with Liverpool, Salah has been a pivotal figure, securing two Premier League titles and one Champions League crown. This season, however, marks a potential first where he might not reach double figures for goals scored, having played 38 times across all competitions.

In contrast, 34-year-old Virgil van Dijk has made 50 appearances for Liverpool this past year. Despite Rooney's observations on his form, it is not expected that Van Dijk will leave the club, though Rooney cautioned against players staying 'for too long'. Salah is currently recovering from an injury but is anticipated to return before the season concludes, allowing him to mark his departure from the club. The article also briefly mentioned related Liverpool news, including Arne Slot's relief over Salah's return, the potential 'big blow' if Alisson Becker leaves, and a hypothetical look at Liverpool without Salah. Liverpool is scheduled to face Manchester United in upcoming Premier League action.