Ballon d'Or Power Ranking: January 2020

2. Virgil van Dijk - Liverpool

Virgil van Dijk could become the first defender since Fabio Cannavaro in 2006 to win the award

Since swapping the South Coast for Merseyside in January 2018 for a then record-breaking fee of £75 million, Virgil van Dijk has become one of the most influential players in world football and has transformed the Liverpool backline. In his time at the club, the Reds' rearguard have undergone a transformation of sorts and become one of the meanest defensive units across Europe's top five leagues, in stark contrast to what was the case early in Jurgen Klopp's tenure at the club.

Known for his calmness on the ball and impeccable sense of positioning, van Dijk is one of the most complete defenders in world football and has no glaring weaknesses to his game. The Dutchman was rewarded for his exemplary showing in the 2018-19 season, as he became the first defender since John Terry in 2005 to win the PFA Player of the Year award and capped off a sensational year by being named Man of the Match, as Liverpool were crowned champions of Europe for the sixth time in their history after a 2-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur.

van Dijk also came within a few votes of becoming the first defender to win the Ballon d'Or since Fabio Cannavaro in 2006, as he narrowly lost out to Lionel Messi in 2019. As Liverpool covet domestic glory that has eluded them for 30 years now, the 28-year-old's form will be crucial if they are to be crowned champions at the end of the season.