Dutch and Liverpool center back Virgi Van Dijk has created history by becoming the first defender to win the UEFA Mens Player of the Year for the Champions League season 2018-19.
Van Dijk also scooped in the UEFA Defender Of The Year Award just a few hours before pipping out Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to be awarded the UEFA Player Of The Year. The 28-year-old was an absolute monster at the back for Liverpool last season as he helped them to win the Champions League title and bring back the European crown to Anfield for the sixth time in the club’s history.
His presence for Jurgen Klopp has been immense since arriving at Liverpool back in the January transfer window of 2018 from Southampton in a mega £75 million price deal. But that transfer fee has never been mentioned off after Van Dijk’s incredible performances for Liverpool. He has transformed the shaky Liverpool defense into one of the most elite operations in world football.
Van Dijk also managed to win the PFA Player of the Year Award as he helped Liverpool finish in second place in the Premier League table just one point behind Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. The Dutchman also captained his national side to the Nations League final but finished runners up to Portugal as Van Dijk’s recognition as one of the best defenders in the world has taken quite an uphill trend.
Upon receiving the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Award Van Dijk stated, “First of all, I think I need to thank all of my teammates. Without all of them and without the staff, I wouldn’t have achieved what I’ve achieved over the last year especially. I thank my family of course. It’s been a long road but that’s part of my journey, it’s part of who I am. I needed it like this, I’m not a player who was 18 years old and had that rise straight away. I had to work hard for every step of the way – that’s part of me and I’m very happy about that. I’m very proud to get this trophy and it’s all credit to everyone that’s helped me along the way.”
Read Also: Alisson Scoops UEFA Best GK Award
