Liverpool FC star Virgil van Dijk replies when asked about winning Ballon d’Or
Liverpool FC star Virgil van Dijk is delighted to be considered as a contender for the Ballon d'Or as a defender
Virgil van Dijk has admitted it’s nice to be considered for the Ballon d’Or award as a defender.
The Liverpool FC star was instrumental in the Merseyside outfit’s record-breaking campaign last term.
The Reds finished with 97 points in second position – the most points accumulated by a Premier League runner-up in the division’s history.
Liverpool FC conceded just 22 goals in 38 games as Alisson Becker kept more clean sheets than any other Premier League goalkeeper.
Van Dijk was voted the PFA player of the year by his peers for his incredible performances in the heart of Liverpool FC’s defence.
In doing so, the Liverpool FC star became the first centre-half to win the PFA award since John Terry in 2005.
The Netherlands international did an expert job marshalling the Liverpool FC back four in their 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League final in Madrid in June.
Inevitably, Van Dijk has been talked up as a potential contender to win the Ballon d’Or – and the first defender since Italian legend Fabio Cannavaro in 2006.
Asked about talk of Van Dijk being a potential Ballon d’Or winner, the Liverpool FC defender told ESPN FC:
“It’s something special to have your name associated with such a prestigious award, more so because defenders hardly get considered,” Van Dijk said.
“It’s nice, but the only thing for me to focus on and control is continuing to play at a high level. I have to start strong again along with the rest of the team so we can meet our ambitions: that’s more important.”
Liverpool FC will start the new Premier League campaign with a home clash against Norwich City on Friday night.
