VIRGIL VAN DIJK warned ex-players their criticism can lead to young stars being “bullied” into having mental health problems.
The Liverpool captain insists he can handle flak from Prem legends turned pundits like Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Nicky Butt and Roy Keane.
But Van Dijk, 34, fears about the effect their harsh words can have on younger footballers.
The Dutchman said: “For me personally, I can deal with it, but I am a bit worried for the next generation. I feel like the ex-top players have a responsibility to the new generation.
“Criticism is absolutely normal and part of the game and it should stay that way. But sometimes criticism also goes into being clickbait.
“Saying things just to provoke, without thinking about the repercussions for a mental side of players, especially the younger generation who are constantly on social media.”
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Van Dijk revealed that he tells young Reds to stay off-line but when “you are getting bullied within bad criticism” it is hard for them to ignore.
The Kop defender, a two-time Prem champion, engaged in a battle of words over his performances with Manchester United legend Rooney in November saying his comments over his lack of leadership were “lazy criticism”.
Before last month’s Manchester derby fellow ex-Red Devils star Butt claimed 6ft 5in City striker Erling Haaland would treat 5ft 9in defender Lisandro Martinez like “a little toddler”.
Scholes also stated prior to the clash that Haaland would score and throw the Argentine “into the net.”
Last season former Red Devils skipper Keane slammed United as ‘physically and mentally weak’ in rant after humiliating 4-1 defeat at Newcastle.
Van Dijk told Neville on Sky Sports: “I feel like the ex-pros, top players, who have been through everything, they have this responsibility of protecting a little bit of that side as well. That’s something maybe to look at.”
Liverpool’s slump after last season’s title success under Arne Slot have led plenty of pundits and fans to question whether the Dutchman should be allowed to keep his job.
VVD backs his fellow countryman to the hilt and added: “The criticism for the season we are having is well-deserved because of the way we have been playing at times, losing games on the bounce.
“It’s not the standard we set but you have criticism and you have disrespect.
“Liverpool is not a club of making rash decisions. I feel that it’s a process.
“In my eyes Arne deserves the respect and the chance to make sure that this process is going to end in a positive way.”
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