Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk was named UEFA Champions League final man of the match by the UEFA Technical Observers.
Mohamed Salah, Divock Origi and even Jürgen Klopp will no doubt take the headlines, but Van Dijk was at the heart of yet another commanding display from the Reds. His calm permeated across the back line and no doubt played a huge role in yet another clean sheet.
Thomas Schaaf, leader of the UEFA Technical Observers in Madrid, said: "Van Dijk showed outstanding leadership and was Liverpool's best defender. He made crucial interventions when needed and played with a cool head throughout."
UEFA technical observers: Thomas Schaaf, Peter Rudbaek, David Moyes, Raúl González, Packie Bonner, Michael O'Neill, Gareth Southgate, Roberto Martínez and Ginés Meléndez.
Van Dijk stats
3 aerials won, 1 tackle, 5 clearances
Previous men of the match
2018: Gareth Bale (Real Madrid)
2017: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
2016: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
2015: Andrés Iniesta (Barcelona)
2014: Ángel Di María (Real Madrid)
2013: Arjen Robben (Bayern München)
2012: Didier Drogba (Chelsea)
2011: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
2010: Diego Milito (Inter Milan)
2009: Xavi Hernández (Barcelona)
2008: Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United)
2007: Filippo Inzaghi (AC Milan)
2006: Samuel Eto'o (Barcelona)
2005: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
2004: Deco (Porto)
2003: Paolo Maldini (AC Milan)
2002: Zinédine Zidane (Real Madrid)
2001: Oliver Kahn (Bayern München)
MelvinJKamara
3597
1% of the Earth is covered by water, while 99% is covered by Van Dijk
wozenm
2848
Ballon d'or winner 2019 loading . . . 97,5%
oilfield
584
First person to dribble past Van Dijk this season...
Thiago_
221
If VVD deserves the Ballon D’Or Let Ramos play cricket 🤔💪🏻🤷♂️🔥
lupalmnrty
203
Now I realized the degree of overrating Van Djik receives. Even in this final where Allison or Matip was Liverpool's top performer, than still he Van Djik has taken the glory again? What about Robertson and Alexander, if u look at another option within LV team? This is the most unbelievable rating I've ever seen in my 26 years experience in sports
Bandiken
163
Poor Coutinho, i guess he is regretting now [Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
Irfan19
105
and this girl should be awarded the Woman of the Match😂
MARSHALLROMEO
98
that's Van Dijk for you calm Nd always ready to take action he was one of the major reasons why liverpool won the Champions league ... General overseer of the backline always making it solid each time liverpool were in a defensive trouble he was there to correct it he really deserves this MVP award I just hope this performance replicates in Netherlands Nations league would want to see him win the Nation League title and hopefully the balon d'or
solidworks
53
Virgil van Dijk has now finished a season for Liverpool without being dribbled past. 52/52 Tackles won.
lupalmnrty
10
Now I realized the degree of overrating Van Djik receives. Even in this final where Allison or Matip was Liverpool's top performer, than still he Van Djik has taken the glory again? What about Robertson and Alexander, if u look at another option within LV team? This is the most unbelievable rating I've ever seen in my 26 years experience in sports
Guys let's be realistic. Allison deserved it
wesmoke2001
9
Now I realized the degree of overrating Van Djik receives. Even in this final where Allison or Matip was Liverpool's top performer, than still he Van Djik has taken the glory again? What about Robertson and Alexander, if u look at another option within LV team? This is the most unbelievable rating I've ever seen in my 26 years experience in sports
Haha you really think Trent or Robertson played better than VVD. What game were you watching?
Boxheadnyc
8
Now I realized the degree of overrating Van Djik receives. Even in this final where Allison or Matip was Liverpool's top performer, than still he Van Djik has taken the glory again? What about Robertson and Alexander, if u look at another option within LV team? This is the most unbelievable rating I've ever seen in my 26 years experience in sports
ur wrong. watch the game again. vvd makes all those players better. he was at the right place time and time again. his reading of the game makes it look easy.