The official announcement is due on Thursday but the Liverpool centre-half has won the backing of his fellow professionals for his outstanding contribution in the best defence in the Premier League this season.
The Dutchman was on a six-man shortlist that included his Anfield team-mate Sadio Mane as well as Sterling, fellow Manchester City players Sergio Aguero and Bernardo Silva and Chelsea’s Eden Hazard.
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk is to be crowned PFA Players’ Player of the Year
The Holland international pipped Manchester City attacker Raheem Sterling to the gong
Van Dijk’s outstanding performances throughout the season have been essential to Liverpool
Victory for Van Dijk means the prize remains with Liverpool, following Mohamed Salah’s triumph last season.
Other Liverpool players to have been awarded the honour are Luis Suarez (2013-14), Steven Gerrard (2005-06), John Barnes (1987-88), Ian Rush (1983-84), Kenny Dalglish (1982-83) and Terry McDermott (1979-80).
The 2019 PFA Awards will be held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Sunday, April 28.
Van Dijk, who has made 44 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool so far this season, will next be in action on Friday when his team travel to Huddersfield.
Van Dijk has featured in every game for Liverpool in their title charge this season
The defender has transformed Liverpool’s defence since his move from Southampton
The Player of the Year gong was won by Van Dijk’s team-mate Mohamed Salah last season
