The Best FIFA Men's Player 2019: Top 5 contenders for the award - August 2019

#2 Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands, Liverpool)

Virgil van Dijk is one of the best defenders in the world right now

The Dutchman continues to be among the top contenders for the award owing to his inspirational effect on Jurgen Klopp's team. The Liverpool manager was ridiculed for investing £75m on a defender in January 2018, but a year and a half later, Virgil van Dijk has found his place among one of the best signings in the history of the club.

Van Dijk had a massive impact on Liverpool's fortunes last season, as they won the UEFA Champions League and came within touching distance of a first Premier League title, only to fall short on the final day.

The former Southampton then steered Netherlands to the inaugural UEFA Nations League final but had to settle for silver against a formidable Portugal side.

This month, he was a part of the Liverpool team that locked horns against Premier League champions Manchester City in the Community Shield.

City emerged winners by virtue of a penalty shootout, as van Dijk and Liverpool were undone by a ruthless City team.

There's no doubt that the Dutchman was exceptional last season, but you need something truly magical to beat the man who leads this list. And so, van Dijk is still second in the race of the Best FIFA Men's Player of the Year Award at the start of August.