Messi is the favorite for the Ballon d'Or this year
#1 Virgil Van Dijk
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Van Dijk is making a huge case for the Ballon d'Or
Probably the strongest candidate to rival Lionel Messi for the decorated Ballon d'Or accolade this term, Dutch superstar Virgil Van Dijk has had a very impressive season featuring at the heart of Liverpool's defense.
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Following his signing from Southampton last year, the centerback has quickly transformed Liverpool into one of the finest defensively rigid teams in European football right now. This season, he has redefined the act of defending with his incredible all-round displays and it is most pleasing to learn that no oppostion attacker has dribbled past him during the campaign.
Having helped Liverpool to progress into the Champions League final, Van Dijk is being ranked as one of the favorites to go home with the Ballon d'Or award this year and he will surely put up a serious competition with Messi for the honor.
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About the author
Jidonu Mauyon
Jidonu is a European and international football news writer at Sportskeeda. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and has around 7 years of previous experience working with the likes of Tribuna and SportRaba, Jidonu has a good eye for detail and has the ability to created cohesive articles, and reporting exploits have also led him to exclusively cover the 2018 FIFA World Cup in the past.
Jidonu’s tryst with football started after watching the 2002 FIFA World Cup final between Brazil and Germany, being mesmerized by Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. Barcelona philosophy and approach towards the game under Pep Guardiola further fueled the burgeoning love for the sport, and he has been a Culer ever since.
Unsurprisingly, Lionel Messi is his favorite player and is the one true GOAT for him over Cristiano Ronaldo. The 2022 FIFA World Cup final, where Messi's brace led to La Albiceleste lifting the cup left a lasting impact on him. His love for Messi also sees him follow Major League Soccer apart from Europe’s top five leagues.
In his free time, Jidonu raps and produces music, and also enjoys reading and swimming.
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