Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk is the third best player in the world and should have been considered for this year’s Ballon d’Or, according to Chris Sutton.
The former Norwich, Blackburn and Chelsea striker is adamant that Van Dijk deserves to be viewed amongst the very top players in the world.
The Dutchman has been a revelation at Anfield since his arrival from Southampton in January and his presence has helped the Reds to form one of the most formidable defences in Europe.
However, despite four of Van Dijk’s Liverpool teammates being nominated for this year’s Ballon d’Or, the centre-back failed to make the 30-man shortlist himself.
When asked who is currently the third most gifted player in world football behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Sutton told BBC Sport:
“It may not be fashionable to mention a defender when you have a conversation like this, but when you look at the difference Virgil van Dijk has made to Liverpool then you can see just how good he is.
“There is not an attribute you need as a defender that he does not have – he is quick, strong, consistent and he does not seem to lose his concentration.
“He also has tremendous distribution when he is on the ball, and he reads the game so well. He has got the lot.
“There will be a clamour for Eden Hazard and other attacking players – and I understand that – but Van Dijk has shown the difference a brilliant defender can make to any side.”
Were the right Liverpool players nominated?
After Liverpool’s impressive Champions League run last season which saw them reach the final, it was no surprise to see a number of Jurgen Klopp’s players make the 30-man shortlist for this year’s Ballon d’Or.
The stars of the Reds’ 2017/18 campaign were the front three, with Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino all performing at an extremely high level.
As expected, all three made the final shortlist, but the fourth Liverpool player to make the cut was not actually at the club last season.
Brazil goalkeeper Alisson was included in the final 30 after his excellent form for Roma during the last campaign, which effectively earned him his £65m move to Liverpool.
Given the effect Van Dijk had on Liverpool’s defence during the second half of last season, he may feel a little hard done by to have been overlooked here.
There are not many defenders who could have had the impact he’s had on Jurgen Klopp’s team and he played a vital part in the Reds’ Champions League run. Don’t be surprised to see him make the cut in the coming years.
Liverpool travel to West Yorkshire to take on Huddersfield in the Premier League this weekend.
The post Virgil van Dijk is up there with Lionel Messi, says Chris Sutton appeared first on Squawka News.
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