Virgil van Dijk is now the odds-on favourite to win the Ballon d’Or later this year.
The Dutchman enjoyed a wonderful 2018/19 season with Liverpool, establishing himself as the world’s best centre-back.
His campaign culminated in Champions League glory, rounding off one of the best ever individual seasons by a Reds player.
It immediately put Van Dijk in the mix for the prestigious Ballon d’Or, which recognises Europe’s best player over the previous 12 months.
Lionel Messi was providing the sternest competition to the Liverpool defender, but his Copa America exit this week has changed that.
The Barcelona superstar saw his Argentina side knocked out by rivals Brazil, with Reds pair Alisson and Roberto Firmino playing their part in the 2-0 semi-final win.
The Ballon d’Or is now Van Djik’s to lose, according to the bookies, and he could become the first defender to win the award since Fabio Cannavaro back in 2006.
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