Latest Liverpool news: Van Dijk backs himself to land Ballon d’Or

Virgil van Dijk is possibly the best defender in the Premier League and has turned out fortunes around since arriving from Southampton.

The Dutch defender has made it difficult for the opposition to score goals and helped Liverpool win the Champions League last season.

The 28-year-old was named as the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and is set for another great campaign with the Reds.

The Liverpool Echo reports that Van Dijk’s performances have made him one of the favourites to land the Ballon d’Or and the centre-back believes he can land the top honour.

Speaking on Graham Hunter’s Big Interview, the Dutch defender said (h/t Liverpool Echo):

“I have no explanation [why more defenders haven’t won it], I can only talk right now and that people are putting me in that bracket now for the Ballon d’Or is a massive honour.

“You have to back yourself [to win] and you know if you don’t, no-one will. We will see, but that people are already talking about it is such a great honour.

“The only thing I can do is to work hard, stay humble and keep improving.”

Van Dijk deserves the honour but faces competition

Most of the recent Ballon d’Or winners have been attackers or midfielders, and it would be incredible if Van Dijk receives the honour.

No defender was even close to Van Dijk’s performances last season and winning the Champions League should count for a lot.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo failed in their attempts to land the trophy but they won their respective domestic leagues.

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There could be some Manchester City players in the running too, while Riyad Mahrez lifted the Africa Cup of Nations in the summer.