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#2 Sadio Mane
One of the Premier League players in contention to lift the award, Mane has been in sublime form this season.
Mane has scored 22 times in the Premier League, joint highest with Salah and Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. In Europe, he was key to Liverpool's defeat of Bayern Munich in the Round of 16.
A direct winger with excellent finishing, Mane has arguably been the best attacker in the league this season. His exploits have linked him with a major move to Spanish giants Real Madrid, who see him as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Like Ronaldo, Mane plays on the left flank and is displaying his world-class ability consistently. Should Mane score in the final and lift the trophy, the Ballon d'Or and Real Madrid could come calling.
#1 Virgil Van Dijk
Jurgen Klopp was highly critical of Manchester United spending £89m on Paul Pogba. He was thus widely ridiculed when splashing £75m on signing Van Dijk from Southampton, a world record fee for a defender. The fee however, has been money well spent.
Van Dijk is one of the Premier League favorites to lift the Ballon d'Or. He has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the league and in the world. He was the missing piece to Klopp's jigsaw and has added much balance to the side.
Winning the PFA player of the year is a testimony to the 27-year-old's quality. He has been key to Liverpool's great defensive record, helping goalkeeper Alisson win the Golden Glove and conceding the fewest goals in the league.
A towering presence at 6'4", Van Dijk averages almost 5 aerial duels won per match and has a passing accuracy of around 90%.
Defenders winning the Ballon d' Or are a rarity. Raphael Varane came close last season, while Fabio Cannavaro was the last winner, in 2006.
Should Liverpool win a 6th Champions League trophy, Van Dijk will hope to join a list of elites.
The Netherlands are also in with a shout of being the inaugural champions of the UEFA Nations League, when the tournament's knockout stages begin in Portugal in June, with the Oranje facing England in the semifinal, with one of Portugal or Switzerland awaiting in the final.
