Liverpool and Netherlands defender Virgin Van Dijk has been named the Uefa Player of the Year 2018/19, beating competition from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the process.
Dijk was outstanding for Liverpool and the Dutch national team in 2018/19, helping the former lift the Champions League and come close to winning the EPL.
“It’s been a long road, I’m very proud to get this trophy, and it is all credit to everyone who has contributed,” he said after he won the award.
He also revealed his admiration for former Barcelona and Brazil star Ronaldinho, saying he inspired him with his play.
“I looked up to Ronaldinho , it was such a great feeling watching him play,” he added.
Apart from Dijk, there were other winners of the night in different categories, including the defender, midfielder and forward of the year.
Here is the list of winners in full;
Uefa Men’s Player of the Year 2018/19
- Virgil Van Dijk
Uefa Women’s Player of the Year 2018/19
- Lucy Bronze – Lyon
Uefa Goalkeeper of the Year 2018/19
- Alisson Becker – Liverpool
Uefa Defender of the Year 2018/19
- Virgil Van Dijk – Liverpool
Uefa Midfielder of the Year 2018/19
- Frank De Jong – Ajax Amsterdam
Uefa Forward of the Year 2018/19
- Lionel Messi – Barcelona
