Virgil van Dijk vs Fabio Cannavaro: How the Dutchman measures up to the last defender to win the Ballon d'Or

Van Dijk may become the first defender to win the Ballon d'Or since Fabio Cannavaro
Van Dijk may become the first defender to win the Ballon d'Or since Fabio Cannavaro

#2 Champions League Performance

Cannavaro and Juventus succumbed to their second successive Quarter-final exit in the 2005-06 Champions League, with Arsene Wenger's Arsenal knocking them out on a 2-0 aggregate scoreline, thanks to goals from Thierry Henry and Cesc Fabregas. In fact, Cannavaro never managed to win a UEFA Champions League title in his illustrious career with his biggest European continental club trophy win being the UEFA Cup he won with Parma in 1998-99.

Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool - UEFA Champions League Final
Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool - UEFA Champions League Final

Van Dijk, in direct contrast, has been a revelation this seaon in the Champions League, emerging as the best central-defender in the tournament. Keeping the likes of Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski quiet in the knockout rounds, the Dutchman made short work of Tottenham's famous front line of Harry Kane, Heung-Min Son and Dele Alli in Madrid, never conceding an inch of space. He has undoubtedly been Liverpool's most valuable player in the Champions League, also chipping in with 2 goals and 2 assists in the tournament.

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