Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has been shortlisted alongside five time FIFA Ballon d’Or winners, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, for the 2018/19 UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award.

Messi has won this award twice, while Ronaldo won it three times but it’s Virgil van Dijk’s first nomination. He is also the first defender to be shortlisted for the award since the inception in 2010/11.

The Netherlands’ captain played a vital role in helping Liverpool win the Champions League title last season. He was also voted as both the Premier League Player of the Season and the Players’ Player of the Year.

Lionel Messi finished as the top scorer in the 2018/19 Champions League campaign and won the European Golden Shoe.

Although Ronaldo didn’t have the perfect debut season with Juventus, he still helped them seal the Serie A title with 21 goals and was voted Serie A’s Most Valuable Player.

The winner of this most prestigious individual award will be announced during the UEFA Champions League group stage draw in Monaco on Thursday, August 29.

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