Liverpool legend backs Virgil van Dijk to win Ballon d’Or

Reds legend Steven Gerrard has backed current Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk to win the 2019 Ballon d’Or.

Gerrard believes Van Dijk deserves the award ahead of Barcelona forward Lionel Messi due to the performances he put in across last season, especially within the Champions League.

Messi is the bookies’ favourite to take out the individual award, but Van Dijk certainly is in with a shot.

“Yes, 100 per cent,” said Gerrard when asked if the Dutchman deserved the award, as quoted by Goal.

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LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool celebrates victory with Georginio Wijnaldum of Liverpool after the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium on September 15, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

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“I’m Messi’s number one fan, for sure. I love the player. Obscene numbers in his game in terms of assists and goals. I’m definitely a Messi fan, in the gang.

“But if you talk about consistency from one player over a year, who wins the European Cup and is absolutely faultless in every performance, that means you deserve to win the Ballon d’Or.”

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Source: anfieldhq.com