Virgil Van Dijk has dismissed talk of winning the Ballon d'Or and insists he is fully focused on attempting to shackle 'out of this world' Lionel Messi in the Champions League.
Liverpool centre-back Van Dijk has been the Premier League's standout performer this season and was crowned PFA Players' Player of the Year on Sunday evening.
The world's most expensive defender admits he still has plenty to prove to be considered alongside the continent's elite players, including Barca's five-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi.
'Nah, that's not something that's on my mind at all,' Van Dijk replied when asked about winning the Ballon d'Or at the end of the year.
Lionel Messi secured his 10th LaLiga title with Barcelona on Saturday.
'There are currently players walking around in this football world that are out of this world basically and they've been doing it for many years.
'I'm very happy how I perform at the moment, how consistent I'm performing, that I'm fit as well. I think I just need to not look too far ahead.
'Right now we're in a tight title race, in the Champions League semi-finals against a fantastic team, where probably the best players are playing so we just take it game by game.
'For us now it's time to focus on Barcelona midweek and then we have a big game at Newcastle away as well so I won't look too far ahead and the only goals I will set are personal goals with Liverpool.'
The former Celtic and Saints man feels he must lift silverware to accomplish that dream.
'All the players in the league, I think, want to play for trophies, want to get trophies,' he said.
'I can only speak for myself and my team - we definitely want to get a trophy and we're working hard every day for it and hopefully in the future that will happen.
'That's what we're definitely looking for.'
Sahabonasir
614
the only way to stop Messi is to make him wear Argentina shirt
Vuaadempsz
293
Which Year's Ballon Dor were they talking about,this year or the next?
M_cAveli
249
I remember when Messi was much younger. The inexperienced Messi dribbled past the experienced world best defender Cannavaro and world class experienced Roberto Carlos. Not just once but whenever they try to stop him. Van Dijk should know that people like him are what Messi even is hungry to meet up and crash them out to proof that he is a Genius. Liverpool must be aware that coming to Cam nou be like these LIONS awaiting your arrival.
ShuvoKB
227
The Only way to stop messi is paused the video π€
meacimpryz
203
even though i have been a madrid fan but Leo Messi is just pure magic. Even a seasoned defender like Ramos said Leo is magic and lightning years ahead of Maradona and i agree with Ramos. dont hate me by saying Ramos has failed to stop Messi. i think its fifty fifty Ramos has stopped Messi and Messi has gone through Ramos' dreams on so many occasisons and thats what makes them legends. Ramos is respected here because he defends like an animal on the field but outside he respects Messi like bros. tomorrow night i expect Messi to show pure magic. real fans dont wanna see players like these ever leave. c'mon Leo. Dont hate me.. I know all real Real Madrid fans love when he has the ball. said with love and respect.
yewbckryz
198
πππ he knew the Balon d'or is not Awarded by the premier league Federation.
10andreas
193
Don't say that already or else Valverde will surprise you by replacing Messi with Dembele or Malcolm
Rashniccr7
167
The question is can he win ballon d'or???ππ
massively
116
How are we going to stop Messi? I have no idea. But we all have to try. We have to avoid one-on-ones. The only way to defend well is to do it with everyone. But stopping Messi will be difficult because he is the best player in the world
Mosanya
103
I will not lie, Van Dijk is a talented and incredible defender, he has won awards and received accolades, he is the best in his prime, and Liverpool are very lucky that have, but van dijk should not let awards and comparison get to his head because he will face one of the toughest challenge yet.. Messi... Some Liverpool fans are so overconfident that Liverpool will knock us out and van dijk is capable of stopping Messi, but never the less, van dijk should know he is facing who has dominated football for the last decade, and he is facing an extraordinary player. So he better be ready, because Barca also are ready.
Chymadrid
82
messi has faced even tougher defenders and he came out top. There was pepe, Ramos, canavharo etc at Madrid. There is Ramos, Marcelo, Varane etc at real ask them for they are more seasoned than vvd and co at Liverpool. The only way is to cut off his left leg or turn both legs to be right legs and you may stop him.
Charleseze22
72
one thing I like about this guy is he's so humble doesn't take credit even though deserved it
ben9ice
56
I like the way you ended VVD you will win trophy in the future bro because you can't eliminate barca and the league is gone so hoping for future is good
Charlescolin
39
Virgil Van Dijk: "I think Messi is the best player in the world." You're not the only one Virgil, you're one among few who understand football!
Emmamary
32
Virgil van Dijk this season: 35 appearances 27 wins 17 clean sheets 3 goals 20 goals conceded PFA Player of the year
vfc1
10
the only way to stop Messi is to make him wear Argentina shirt
lolππ