A fan has made a video which indicates that Lionel Messi should have won the POTY over Virgil Van Dijk.
On Thursday, UEFA crowned Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk as Europe’s best player of the year. He had contributed in every possible way towards the success of Liverpool and Netherlands in the Champions League, Premier League, and Nations League.
The Dutchman beat Barcelona in the European competition Semifinal, which would have changed the head. Additionally, the centre-back was the standout player for the Reds in the Champions League final with the Man of the Match award.
Virgil Van Dijk also won the PFA Player of the Year award, which is given to the Premier League’s best player.
On the other hand, Lionel Messi, who was made the captain last summer, carried Barcelona to La Liga glory, but fell short in the Champions League and Copa Del Rey. The forward was also not able to steer Argentina to the finals of the Copa America, which dragged the attention of various pundits.
Taking nothing away from collective performances, his individual displays were second to none. He scored the most goals in the European top-flight leagues. He was also crowned as the La Liga’s best player last season and ended as the highest scorer in the Champions League. Yet, he failed.
With total infuriation, a twitter account named ‘MessiLob’ compiled some of the best performances of Lionel Messi over the past twelve months which went viral on Twitter.
It is hard to argue against Van Dijk, who steered his club to two accolades and his nation to a final. He also won several individual awards. It was thoroughly deserved for the Dutchman. The fact that Messi equally deserved to lift that award has left a bitter taste among the Barcelona forward’s faithful.
Now comfortably the world’s best defender, Van Dijk was quick to stress that his success has not happened overnight and his journey has been long and arduous.
“I wasn’t 18 and went straight to the top,” the Dutch defender said after collecting the award on stage.
“I had to work every step of the way. It’s been a long road and it’s part of my journey. I’m very proud to get this trophy. It’s credit to everyone who has helped me.”
