The Best FIFA Men’s Player Award 2019: Ranking the nominees from the three-man shortlist 

#1 Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool and Netherlands)

Netherlands v England - UEFA Nations League Semi-Final

A world-record fee of £75 million never looked cheaper as Liverpool continue to reap the fruits of Virgil van Dijk's transfer from Southampton in 2017.

Coming straight after his UEFA's Player of the Year win, the 28-year-old is heavily tipped to add the Best FIFA Men’s Player award to his growing list of individual prizes after he played an influential role in the Reds' 97-point haul in the Premier League and their memorable Champions League win.

The colossal centre-back rivals Messi's attacking stats with ridiculous defensive numbers of his own. While the Barcelona talisman boasts of a staggering 51 goals, the Liverpool star was the defender with the highest successful duel percentage in the continent (76.3 %), winning 244 of the 322 duels he competed in.

It was also believed that the Netherlands international was not dribbled past in any competitive game last term, a stat that has been rehashed several times across media outlets and bar room debates.

His defensive abilities, backed by his intelligence and agility, have largely helped Liverpool maintain the best defensive record in the Premier League as they managed to concede only 22 goals last season.

The Dutchman's influence in the attacking third is also to be noted as he registered four goals and four assists in 59 appearances for club and country.

Internationally, van Dijk guided Netherlands to the UEFA Nations League final but ultimately failed to get the better of eventual winners, Portugal.

The PFA Player of the Year looks set to break all barriers this award season as he ushers in a new era in which defenders are credited for their contributions to football, not only with words in an article but also with a trophy to take home.