The Best FIFA Football Player Award 2019: 3 reasons why Virgil Van Dijk could defeat Messi and Ronaldo to the award

#3 Achievements with his club and country 

Virgil Van Dijk is in the pinnacle of his career – having lifted the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year last month. The Dutchman won this award because of the Champions League triumph with Liverpool and Nations League final appearance with the Netherlands.

Due to his presence, Liverpool conceded the least in the Premier League and have conceded the least in the Premier League this season. As for the Champions League triumph, the Reds had to qualify for the Champions League knockout despite consisting the likes of Napoli and Paris Saint Germain. They beat Bayern Munich, Porto and Barcelona before rounding off a 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

Ronald Koeman’s side had to overcome England and Germany before eventually facing defeat in the hands of Portugal in the Nations League final. It was a compelling contest in the final before losing out to Goncalo Guedes goal in the second half. For his achievements with his club and country, he could pip Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to this award.