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#5 Kaka (Pick: Virgil van Dijk)
2007 Ballon d'Or winner Kaka believes this year will once again see a winner that is neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo. The Brazilian made the case for a defender to win the award and has named Virgil van Dijk as a key favorite.
Van Dijk has risen through the ranks at Anfield and has received heaps of praises from all corners owing to his rock-solid performances at the centre of the Reds defence.
The Dutchman finished his season with the PFA Player of the Year award and a Champions League medal after Liverpool defeated Tottenham Hotspur in the European final at Madrid.
When asked about his Ballon d'Or favorite, Kaka said, "We will see what happens in the future. Would I give the Ballon d’Or to Virgil van Dijk? I had some discussions talking about it with friends and with my brother and the name we chose is really his."
"He had a great season in the Premier League and won the Champions League playing in a crazy way. We’ll see what the judges will decide but it’s time to reward a defender."
