Player of the Year Van Dijk: “I had to work hard every step of the way”

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.