Virgil van Dijk has said that he was proud to be named the PFA Player of the Year, describing it as ‘the highest honour you can get as a player’.
The Liverpool defender beat off competition from Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva, Sadio Mane, Eden Hazard and Sergio Aguero to scoop the annual award, becoming only the third defender in Premier League history to do so after a commanding season with the Reds.
Since arriving at Anfield in January 2018 as the worlds most expensive defender, the former Celtic and Southampton centre-half has seemingly solved Liverpool’s long-standing fragility at the back, with the title challengers having the best defence in the division.
Speaking at the glitzy awards ceremony in London on Sunday night, the Dutchman said: “It’s pretty difficult to put into words.
“I think it’s the highest honour you can get as a player to get voted player of the year by the players you play against every week. It’s special. I’m very proud and honoured to receive it.”
Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling – despite being 24 and being a seasoned pro in the Premier League – was named the PFA Young Player of the Year after a phenomenal season for league leaders Manchester City.
Read: The frustrating pointlessness of the Young Player of the Year Award
