Liverpool have had a remarkable seven players shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or, more than any other side. The Reds dominate the shortlist thanks to their sixth Champions League win and their record breaking Premier League season. The members of Jürgen Klopp’s squad to make the coveted list are Gini Wijnaldum, Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alisson Becker. Liverpool youngster Rhian Brewster has backed Virgil van Dijk for the Ballon d’Or.
Despite the fact that Rhian Brewster is yet to make a Premier League appearance for Liverpool, he is already garnering quite the reputation in world football. He famously scored back to back hat-tricks in the U17 World Cup, taking home the golden boot for the tournament.
He told Soccer AM that he believes Liverpool’s towering Dutch defender deserves the award. He said, “Why not have a centre-half winning the Ballon d’Or? People will say he’s changed Liverpool with what he’s done in helping us keep a lot of clean sheets…I hope he [Van Dijk] does win it”.
Van Dijk is the favourite to take home the personal accolade this season. If Big Virg does win the award in December, he will become the first defender to win the award since Fabio Cannavaro in 2006, both defenders coming off the back of major tournament wins – the Italian centre back was named best in the world after winning the World Cup.
With Liverpool boasting seven nominees for the award, chances are it will be one of Jürgen Klopp’s men winning the prestigious award. We can all agree though, Virgil van Dijk deserves the Ballon d’Or this year. Sadio Mane 2020?
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