Virgil van Dijk Might Just Pip Messi and Ronaldo To Win Ballon d'Or 2019 Trophy and These 10 Quotes About Liverpool Star By Football Legends Are a Proof of It!

Ballon d'Or is awarded to the best footballer of a particular year and in a few hours time, we are going to know the name of the prestigious trophy holder. Lionel Messi, Virgil van Dijk and Cristiano Ronaldo are undoubtedly the top three contenders to lift the 2019 Ballon d'Or and football fans across the globe are waiting with fingers crossed to know what happens in Paris. The FIFA Ballon d'Or is decided on votes from international national team coaches and captains, journalists and other several officials, who pick their own top three (on rankings) after considering their performances from the previous calendar year. Virgil van Dijk has already been named UEFA Men's Player of the Year for 2018/19 but a Ballon d'Or win, which would make them the first defender in over a decade to lift it, will certainly be his most cherished prize. Cristiano Ronaldo Over Lionel Messi For 2019 Ballon d’Or? Former Chelsea Boss Backs Portuguese Superstar.

Virgil van Dijk has proven his name in English Premier League, as well as on the international level and who knows the Dutchmen could pip Ronaldo and Messi to bag the Ballon d'Or title this year. The Liverpool defender enjoyed a fantastic 2018-19 premier league season finishing second with record points and also lifted the UEFA Champions League 2018-19 trophy. The colossal Netherlands Defender, who has brought old school defending back to life with his sheer physical and dominating presence at the back for Liverpool, has never been short of appreciation. we bring you the names of legends who appreciated Virgil van Dijk for his defending. Take a look at 10 names from the footballing world, who spoke about the sheer brilliance of Virgil van Dijk. Ballon d’Or 2019 Ceremony Time Nears, Here’s Why Lionel Messi Is Being Tipped to Win His Sixth Ballon d’Or Award.

1. Jose Mourinho, Tottenham Hotspur Manager

'In English football for sure, he has everything, Apart from the wonderful athleticism, he's got the brain to sense danger'

2. Gary Neville, Manchester United Legend

He’s a monster and is looking a bit like Jaap Stam. It looks like he just throws people out of the way."

3. Pep Guardiola, Manchester City Manager

'He's an exceptional player," Guardiola told reporters of Van Dijk. "When a player costs whatever it costs and it works, it is well worth it'

4. Lionel Messi, Barcelona Captain

“He is fast because of his great stride, and he is impressive both in defence and attack because he scores lots of goals.”

5. Steven Gerrard, Rangers Manager

I am a huge Messi fan but if you talk about consistency from one player over a year, who wins the European Cup and is absolutely faultless in every performance, that means Virgil van Dijk deserves to win the Ballon d'Or.'

6. Antonio Conte, Inter Milan Head Coach

'Liverpool bought Van Dijk to reinforce his defensive line, and I think Van Dijk is a top defender.'

7. Carles Puyol, Barcelona Legend

'Van Dijk is one of the best in the world. He is the complete defender, always calm, a great player,'

8. Mauricio Pochettino, Former Tottenham Manager

Former Spurs Boss on Liverpool signing the Dutch Defender for a hefty sum: 'When you consider what it means to win a Champions League or a Premier League, it is cheaper to spend this type of money.'

9. Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool Manager

The work rate, in general, is outstanding. I love the boy, but the two in front of them, they have to run much more to make life more comfortable for the defender.

10. Arsene Wenger, Former Arsenal Manager

"He's a very good one against one - it's difficult to find a weak point in his game.

A leaked picture of the 2019 Ballon D’or winner's list is trending over the internet that showcases Lionel Messi at the top of the list surpassing Virgil van Dijk, who is on the second spot. Well, this might also be the fan-made list and nothing can be speculated so soon. Last year, it was Croatia's Luka Modric who ended 10-year Messi-Ronaldo dominance on the Golden Ball to lift the Ballon d'Or, can Virgil van Dijk touch history this time?

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 02, 2019 05:39 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).