Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville is adamant that Liverpool centre back Virgil van Dijk should be the Premier League's player of the year this season.
Not since 2005 — when John Terry was crowned — has a defender won the PFA's main prize but Van Dijk is the odds-on favourite this year after playing a leading role in Liverpool's title bid.
Neville is a huge admirer of Van Dijk and believes the Dutchman is among the best defenders in world football along with Real Madrid duo Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane.
'Van Dijk has been absolutely outstanding,' Neville told Sky Sports ahead of Friday's game between Liverpool and Southampton.
'I remember looking back through my career at players like Jaap Stam, Gary Pallister, Rio Ferdinand... He (Van Dijk) is a player who makes everyone feel safe.
'He does the job of all four defenders. I think Sergio Ramos and Varane have been the best defenders in the world recently but there's no doubt he will be up there.
'He can head, his defending is brilliant, on the ball he's a joke. He passes the ball like a midfielder.
'One hundred per cent he is the player of the year. I don't think anybody has even got close to him.'
Abu-ghanna
0
At the end, you surrendred and gave true professional comment. Sure he deserves.
Reddevilsalways
4
Gary is right that guy is the main reason for Liverpool title chances..van djik is best defender of Epl
specialmadrid
0
Ramos is way better and your dirty Madrid is out of the champions league and going trophy less...motherfucker
piss off you senseless son of a stinking ass
henrie
0
he is indeed overrated. ..Ramos is way better,that 26 year old Dude who never won anything worth mentioning in his long career,he is a fluke
Ramos is way better and your dirty Madrid is out of the champions league and going trophy less...motherfucker
kocbelmsz
0
double V is fantastic but can we give some handicaps to Matip
kikbdkstu
0
no doubt dijk is fantastic
specialmadrid
0
This guy is tooooooooooooooooooooooo overrated😡
he is indeed overrated. ..Ramos is way better,that 26 year old Dude who never won anything worth mentioning in his long career,he is a fluke
FirminoooFan
3
How true..i mean just look at van dijk when he cruises thru the defense,u notice him not only because of his size or physique but his involvement not only in the defense but occasionally scores for his team,and even his effect he has on matip and alexandor arnold,arnold is confident van dijk has everything under control and focuses on counter attacking and delivering super crosses.If liverpool win the champions league i surely wish they give an award for this legend.
fiycdopuyz
0
This guy is tooooooooooooooooooooooo overrated😡
worst and most stupid fans are barca fans
fiycdopuyz
0
This guy is tooooooooooooooooooooooo overrated😡
barca haters everywhere
fiycdopuyz
0
VVD is class
fiycdopuyz
0
He deserves it but I’d love to see sterling win it
sterling need to upgrade in European competitions. epl alone won't isn't enough
zezcstuz
1
ballondor if liverpool wins any silverware....
nibnopruz
0
His a good center back but still his not the best his shaping up
alvyn123
0
This guy is tooooooooooooooooooooooo overrated😡
see this joker which of your center backs come close to Him
Fedora
0
He deserves it but I’d love to see sterling win it
Perkings
0
it is nice for someone to understand the importance of defense in football
pinkmans
0
I am a huge Fan if Sterling But his premier league no. This season are very Very Good But just not being Out if the world Like Van Dijk has been IMO A generational season One of all time best CB performances in a season in the PL era alongside Terry 2004/05 and Ferdinand
subamos
3
This guy is tooooooooooooooooooooooo overrated😡
flower
1
So it’s not all lies out of Neville’s mouth then?
Jamesing
0
Totally agreed!!!He’s 100% been the player of the year.
Isaacsoner
1
Why does he have to exaggerate all the time? I mean, VVD is superb this season, but saying Agüero, Hazard, Sterling or even Mané "don't get close to him" is just daft
tantrum
1
My God the exaggeration about this man baffles me
Alexanderalan
3
Gary haven't watched Gerrard pique the past 10 years has he...
sayantanpatra
4
Van Djik is the most sensational and famous player of the year..... 😉😉 His performance is soaring high......
Godwinwhizee77
4
Van is two in One
Hisekmrs
4
respect goes to him
vodaikmrsy
4
God bless you sir for saying the truth