🏆 Ballon d'OneFootball: And in 8th place is ... | OneFootball

Welcome to the third annual edition of the Ballon d’OneFootball as we continue our countdown of the top 25 players in the world.

Click right here to see the full list so far.

And today we have …

8th: Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool and Netherlands

(Last year: 13th)

It is just one statistic but it highlights just the transformative impact Virgil van Dijk has had on Liverpool since his signing in 2019.

The Reds’ 1-0 win against West Ham at Anfield earlier in March was Van Dijk’s 60th Premier League game at the stadium since joining the club and he is still yet to taste defeat. It’s a new Premier League record.

Now, of course, that’s a team effort and Jürgen Klopp’s side have been relentless winning machines over the past few years for a number of reasons.

But Van Dijk’s starting berth at centre-back is high on the list of reasons why.

You just have to look at how Liverpool struggled last season with the towering Dutchman out for the campaign because of a cruciate ligament tear to realise just what an important figure he is in that side.

Since the summer, though, Van Dijk has been back to full fitness and almost immediately returned to his pre-injury form.

As Jürgen Klopp mentioned in his programme notes ahead of the Burnley game in February, the way Van Dijk has returned from a serious injury is remarkable.

“I do want to make a mention of our number four, our centre-half. The level Virgil has performed to this season has been incredible. When you factor in what he’s returning from, it’s even more remarkable.

“It was always clear, because the surgery was a complete success, that Virg would be absolutely fine medium and long term.

“But the truth is, given everything that happened the level he is at so quickly is a surprise, to be honest. Well, I’ll correct that: it would be a surprise were it not Virgil.”

Click right here to see the full list so far.