Why Virgil van Dijk has surprised himself since Liverpool transfer

Liverpool stalwart Virgil van Dijk has admitted he never expected to be in the running to win the Ballon d'Or when he signed for the Reds.

The Dutch colossus arrived on Merseyside in January, 2018 for a club record fee of £75million.

Since his arrival Van Dijk has vastly improved Liverpool's defensive exerts and helped steer the Reds to Champions League glory last season.

The 28-year-old defender is now highly regarded as one of the world's best, and is the bookmakers favourite to become the first defender to win the Ballon d'Or since 2006.

Speaking to Pro:Direct Soccer , Van Dijk said: "Well, I think the Ballon d'Or is something for, I don't know, I wouldn't picture myself [winning the Ballon d'Or] when I made the transfer to Liverpool.

"But everyone can have their opinion, everyone can say whatever they want. But obviously when people are talking about it obviously I am doing something well.

"The only thing I can do is just keep working hard. Keep doing what I am doing, keep progressing and if you get recognition for it then amazing.

"But if not then at the end of the day you do it for you and your team and the family and the club. That's the most important [thing]."

Van Dijk has also been nominated to win the UEFA Player of the Year award for 2019 alongside Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The winner will be announced following the Champions League group stage draw which takes place in Monaco on Thursday at 4.30pm.