Liverpool star dismisses Ballon d’Or suggestion and tips Barcelona ace

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Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has rubbished claims that he might be named as the 2019 winner of the Ballon d’Or, in an interview with Bein Sports.

The Dutchman was asked about the accolade following his Man of the Match display in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Tottenham in the Champions League Final.

The enforcer thinks that Barcelona star Lionel Messi is still the favourite for the title, despite his team not featuring in the showpiece final this year.

Not since 2006 has a defender won the award. Fabio Cannavaro picked up the prize back then, largely for his efforts during Italy’s World Cup-winning campaign.

Commanding defender van Dijk isn’t getting his hopes up of ending the long wait for a defender to claim the crown for 2019.

He told Bein Sports: “I think Messi is the best player in the world. He should win the Ballon d’Or.

“I’m not thinking of that. If I win, I’ll take it. Messi should win it though. He is the best in the world, whether he is in the final or not.”

The Liverpool ace will now prepare to take on England in the Nations League semi-final on Thursday with Holland looking to reach the final.

TBR Verdict

Van Dijk was typically humble when answering the Ballon d’Or related questions at the weekend.

As he says he would take it, but it is not something he is planning for, which is more the nature of the beast really.

Not since 2006 as a defender claimed the award, with the world’s attacking sensations tending to take the prize as the world’s best player.

The Liverpool man would be a deserving winner though. His form this season has been sensational and he is looked worth every penny of his sizeable transfer fee.

Jurgen Klopp is blessed to have probably the world’s best defender among his ranks and he will hope that Saturday is the first trophy of many that van Dijk leads his team towards.