Former Liverpool Midfielder Tips Van Dijk To Win Ballon D’Or

Former Liverpool midfielder, Danny Murphy, has tipped defender, Virgil van Dijk to win this year’s Ballon D’ Or ahead of Barcelona captain, Lionel Messi and Juventus superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo.

According to Murphy, the Netherland’s centre-back deserves the top prize after leading Liverpool to victory in the UEFA Champions League title last season.

It would be recalled that Van Dijk is among the 30-man shortlist for this year’s Europe top individual prize alongside Messi and Ronald.

“For me, the winner [2019 Ballon D’ Or] is obvious: Virgil van Dijk,”  I believe that because of the massive impact he’s had on Liverpool Football Club. There are so many facets to him: his leadership qualities have grown, and his influence on others is probably the biggest reason,”Murphy told talkSPORT.

“His impact on the performances of the players around him, especially the back four, is phenomenal.When you think of the full-backs, they’ve improved tremendously and that’s partly because of the security he gives them to go forward, knowing he’s so capable when other teams counter-attack,” he said.

“But his form didn’t help Barcelona win the Champions League. Usually [nine out of the last 12 years] the winner of the Ballon d’Or comes from the winner of the Champions League. The criteria is there and I don’t see why that should change.

“In terms of a defender winning it, there are some people who would say it’s easier to destroy than create and I understand that philosophy. But when you look at the impact,” Murphy added.