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#3 Virgil van Dijk
Considered by many as the front-runner to win this season's Ballon d'Or along with the magical Lionel Messi, the Dutch centre-back has enjoyed a sensational season at Anfield. He is the only defender in Europe's top 5 leagues to not have a single occasion where he has been dribbled past this season. One of the key reasons behind Liverpool overturning a 3-0 first leg deficit to win 4-0 at Anfield against Barcelona in Anfield in the UCL semi-final was Van Dijk's incredible performance against Messi, forming a defensive 'cage' around the mercurial Argentine with the help of Andrew Robertson and James Milner.
Van Dijk has led the Liverpool defence majestically this season, helping the Reds finish with the best defensive record in the Premier League, conceding a paltry 22 goals in 38 League games. He has also shown his leadership ability with the Dutch National Team, inspiring them to the UEFA Nations League semi-finals, where they are set to face England on 7th June. His dominance in the air is a significant attacking threat to the opposition, with the Dutchman having scored 6 goals this season for the Reds.
