Virgil van Dijk insists that former players who have become pundits have a "responsibility" to consider the players, especially newer generations, when offering criticism.

The Liverpool captain was involved in such an incident earlier this season, confronting Wayne Rooney over his critiques of Van Dijk.

It happened during a post-match interview following Liverpool's win over Real Madrid, in which Rooney had been on the panel.

More recently, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes exchanged public messages with Lisandro Martinez around the Manchester derby, with the former players making the comments on their podcast.

And while Van Dijk noted he could handle the criticism, he highlighted the rise of social media as another factor that could have a detrimental impact on younger players.

"Personally, I can deal with it, but I am a bit worried for the next generation. It's not as easy as everyone thinks," Van Dijk told Sky Sports in an interview with Gary Neville, another player-turned-pundit.

"I feel like the ex-top players have a responsibility to the new generation.

"Criticism is normal and a part of the game, and I think it should stay there. But sometimes criticism goes to clickbait, saying things to provoke, without thinking of the repercussions or mental side of the players.

"Especially the younger generation who are constantly on social media. You could say, 'You shouldn't be on social media.' That's what I have mentioned loads of times.

"When you play a good game, younger players check the positive praise. When you have less of a good game, and you get bullied on social media or get bad criticism, it can really affect you. I have seen that in certain players in the past.

"It's just not easy. We can all say, 'just deal with it', but I think it will get worse and worse – the clickbait, the headlines, everyone is on it constantly.

"Especially the ex-pros, the top players who have been through everything as well at the highest level. I think they have responsibility, even if they are a part of a big company or a big audience.

"Criticism is a part of the game and should stay; it is normal, especially from ex-pros who have been in that particular situation and maybe have dealt with it.

"I think that is something, maybe, to look at."

Liverpool have struggled in their title defence this season, sitting sixth, with a lot of players' form called into question. They host Manchester City on Sunday.