Messi beats Van Dijk and Mane to World Soccer Player of the Year award

Abdullah MullaAbdullah Mulla
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Messi beats Van Dijk and Mane to World Soccer Player of the Year award

Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk has been snubbed for the Player of the Year award at the World Soccer Awards.

As reported on WorldSoccer.com, Van Dijk came in second place behind winner Lionel Messi, just as he did earlier this month in the Ballon d’Or award.

Alex Caparros/Getty Images Sport

The Dutch star has helped the Reds to glory in the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2019.

Sadio Mane finished in third place, with Mohamed Salah in sixth and Alisson Becker in seventh. Roberto Firmino was voted into 17th place whilst Trent Alexander-Arnold finished 19th.

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Despite his stellar season, Van Dijk has failed to overcome Messi in the individual awards.

It is a hotly contested debate, with some feeling that the defender deserves the award for his leadership and defensive prowess, whilst others feel Messi’s statistics earn him the glory.

The big number four is unlikely to be too bothered with not winning the award, but being up there in the first place shows just how good of a signing he has been.

22, Sports Content Executive, follow me on Twitter for regular updates.

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