Steven Gerrard believes Virgil Van Dijk deserves Ballon d’Or over Lionel Messi

Former Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has revealed his belief that Reds defender Virgil van Dijk deserves the 2019 Ballon d'Or award over Lionel Messi.

Van Dijk picked up the 2019 UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award, was named as runner up to Messi in the 2019 Best FIFA's Men's Player earlier this year.

The Dutch defender played a key role in Liverpool's Champions League win at the end of the season, including that dramatic semi final win over Messi's Barcelona. 

"I am a big fan of Messi," Gerrard told an interview with William Hill, reported via Marca.

"I am his No.1 fan, and his numbers for assists and goals are obscene."

"But if you talk about consistency, who has won the European Cup, and and is faultless in every performance, that person should win the Ballon d'Or."

Messi an Cristiano Ronaldo are currently tied as the most successful players in the history of the award, with five wins each, although the Argentinian has not won it since 2015.

The winner of this year's award will be announced at a ceremony in Paris on December 2.

Tags Lionel Messi Liverpool Steven Gerrard Virgil van Dijk
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