Virgil van Dijk has won UEFA s Player of the Year award.
The Liverpool defender took the honour ahead of Barcelona captain Lionel Messi and Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
Van Dijk s arrival from Southampton made him the world s most expensive defender and he helped repay his fee by starring as the Reds won Champions League glory last term.
I need to thank all my team-mates and the staff. I wouldn t have achieved what I have over the last year [without them], my family of course, it s been a long road but it s part of my journey, who I am, Van Dijk said.
I had to work hard every step of the way, it s part of me and I m happy about that. I m proud to get that trophy and it s a credit to everyone who helped me along the way.
2018/19 UEFA Men s Player of the Year
