Liverpool stalwart Van Dijk named PFA Player of the Year
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“It’s pretty difficult to put into words,” Van Dijk said.
“I think it’s the highest honor you can get as a player to get voted player of the year by the players you play against every week. It’s special. I’m very proud and honored to receive it.”
An indispensable force for Jurgen Klopp since making a £75-million move from Southampton in January of 2018, Van Dijk has been instrumental in transforming the Reds into the Premier League’s stingiest side; Liverpool have conceded a league-best 20 goals through 36 matches this season.
The towering defender, who has also chipped in with three goals at the other end, becomes the eighth Liverpool player to get his hands on the coveted hardware. He joins Terry McDermott (1979-80), Kenny Dalglish (1982-83), Ian Rush (1983-84), John Barnes (1987-88), Steven Gerrard (2005-06), Luis Suarez (2013-14) and Mohamed Salah, last year’s winner.
Liverpool may ultimately concede the league title to Manchester City, but Van Dijk has done everything in his power – and then some – to deliver a first Premier League crown to the Merseyside club.
Virgil van Dijk is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a centre back for English Premier League club Liverpool and captains the Netherlands national team.
Considered to be one of the best defenders in the world, he is known for his strength, leadership and aerial ability.
