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#3 Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands, Liverpool)
It is not fair to present one man as the main reason for Liverpool's epic turnaround in the last season and a half, but in case of Virgil van Dijk, it is a accolade that is well deserved. The Dutchman has been revolutionary for the Merseyside club since joining, but has taken his game to a higher level this season. Liverpool have used the defensive base provided by the monumental defender to attack without fear and have transformed into one of the best teams in Europe.
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van Dijk has been the rock at the back as Liverpool has stretched Manchester City to the wire in the race for the Premier League crown. Liverpool have conceded just 20 goals in the 36 games in the League and van Dijk has rightly been judged as the PFA Player of the season this year. Even though he was taken apart by the brilliance of Lionel Messi in the Champions League, van Dijk is still one of the best players in the world. And he will be central to any hopes of Liverpool finishing this season with a trophy.
The Dutchman has never been a part of the 30 man shortlist for the Ballon d'Or, but his impact this season has been path-breaking. As such, Virgil van Dijk is third among the top contenders for the award at the start of May.
