Liverpool superstar handed major yearly accolade by FIFA

Liverpool ace Virgil van Dijk makes FIFA FIFPRO World XI

According to The Liverpool Echo, Liverpool superstar Virgil van Dijk has been named in the FIFA FIFPRO World XI. He is the lone Reds’ star to make the cut this year.

The announcement was made at the 2022 FIFA The Best Awards. The Dutchman was named as part of a three-man backline with Achraf Hakimi and Joao Cancelo in tow. Clearly, Van Dijk will be expected to do the brunt of the defending if the team ever have to take the field.

It caps off a fruitful campaign for the veteran who came off the back of a season-ending injury that cut his 2020-21 campaign short. A mainstay in the Reds’ defence, Van Dijk certainly stood out as Jurgen Klopp’s side chased history.

Liverpool played all possible games that season and were just a couple of decisions away from securing the elusive quadruple. Surely the defensive lynchpin of a side that went further than any team before in history to achieve the feat deserves his accolade.

Van Dijk has every season to be pleased with his nomination and said just that. He remains a proud member of the Liverpool side and has now added another feather to his hat.

 “I feel blessed. It was an interesting year. I’m still very proud to be part of this football club.”

While the 31-year-old was sensational last season, he has been anything but colossal this time around. Liverpool are going through a rebuilding phase and it is apparent that a revamp is on the cards.

Van Dijk has not covered himself in glory and remains shaky at the back. Hopefully, the accolade will jolt him back to his senses and inspire him to get back to his best. The Reds need him now more than ever.

More Liverpool News

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• Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson backs the squad to make a push for a top-four finish
• Liverpool star Diogo Jota speaks on his return from injury and desire to get more goals and assists

FIFA FIFPRO Men’s World XI 2023: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid); Achraf Hakimi (PSG), Joao Cancelo (Bayern Munich on loan from Manchester City), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool); Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Casemiro (Manchester United); Lionel Messi (PSG), Kylian Mbappe (PSG), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Erling Haaland (Manchester City).