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#1 Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Virgil van Dijk has arguably been the best signing of the decade in the Premier League. Since his arrival last year, the centre-back has transformed an average Liverpool side into one of the best sides in Europe.
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The 28-year-old has been exceptional this calendar year. He carried his side to Champions League glory last season, and it looks like he might help his team win their first-ever Premier League title this time around.
Given his performances, the Dutch defender was among the favourites to win this year's Ballon d'Or. However, he fell just seven votes short of Lionel Messi and finished second behind the Argentine.
Van Dijk is the epitome of the modern centre-back and has got everything at his disposal. The Dutchman possesses incredible pace and physicality along with great composure on the ball. On top of that, he provides leadership on the pitch, which the Reds have lacked since the departure of Steven Gerrard.
