Rio Ferdinand states why Virgil van Dijk does not deserve to be named Player of the Year

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes that Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk does not deserve to be named Player of the Year, as he believes there are more worthy winners.

Van Dijk, who signed for Liverpool from Southampton for a fee of £75 million back in January 2018, has been immense for the Anfield club.

Van Dijk has claimed the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup within the past seven months at Liverpool.

He also could add the Premier League title to that aforementioned list, as Liverpool currently possess a 22-point lead at the top of the table.

However, despite being one of the key reasons why Liverpool possess such a huge lead in the Premier League this season, Ferdinand believes that there are more worthy winners for the Player of the Year.

Ferdinand said, as quoted by the Mirror: “I think he (Van Dijk) is undoubtedly the best defender in the world, the best centre-back in the world now.

“He’d get my vote for best defender, best centre-half, but he wouldn’t get my vote for Player of the Year. I think there’s a few other people probably vying for that accolade.

“But he has been tremendous. I think he’s a fantastic footballer. Calm, cool, collected, strong, quick. All the attributes you’d want in a modern day player.

“And he carries himself very well – I love the way he carries himself.”

READ: Atletico Madrid defender expected to miss Liverpool Champions League clash

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 19: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool celebrates scoring to make it 1-0 during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester United at Anfield on January 19, 2020 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

READ: Alan Shearer questions one decision Jurgen Klopp made for the Shrewsbury clash

Ferdinand added: “I think Jordan Henderson has been very good. I think Mane has been my favourite player when I watch Liverpool if I’m honest.

“When I watch Liverpool he’s the person who gets me off my seat more than anyone. He’d definitely be up there.

“Vardy’s been good, scoring those goals. Kevin De Bruyne – when you watch him he just purrs. So there’s a few names there.”

Ferdinand’s Liverpool suggestions in regards to who would be a worthy winner were spot on. Both Sadio Mane and Jordan Henderson have been immense this season.

The reality is, if it is not Van Dijk who claims the award, it will be a Liverpool player. No one has been able to rival the individual performances that have been put in by those who wear the red shirt.

The post Rio Ferdinand states why Virgil van Dijk does not deserve to be named Player of the Year appeared first on Anfield Watch.

Source: anfieldhq.com