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#3. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Liverpool star Virgil Van Dijk has emerged as the strongest candidate to compete with Lionel Messi for the Ballon d'Or this campaign, The Dutch center-back is arguably the best defender in the world and he has played a crucial role for the Reds throughout the season.
Thanks to his exploits at the back, Jurgen Klopp's men have established themselves as one of the best defensive sides in the current campaign. The Reds have conceded just 22 goals in the 2018/19 Premier League season, which is the best defensive record in the current Premier League campaign.
Van Dijk's superior defensive abilities at the back makes him one of the best in business but what truly sets him apart is his calm and composed nature at the back. The 27-year-old became the first defender since John Terry in 2005 to win the PFA Player of the Year award for his exploits in the current campaign.
The 27-year-old has also helped Liverpool to progress into the Champions League final. There is no doubt that Van Dijk will be the favourite to win the Ballon d'Or if Liverpool wins the tournament.
