Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk is one of the best football players on planet earth.
The Dutchman transformed the Reds defence and helped his side to Champions League glory while also leading his country to the UEFA Nations League final all in the space of one season.
That has put the colossal defender firmly in the spotlight and favourite amongst many pundits, commentators, players and bookmakers to clinch one of the biggest personal accolades in world football - the Balon d'Or.
Superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have had a stranglehold on the trophy winning 10 of the last 11 awards.
Both players will be firmly in the conversation once again but Van Dijk has made his mark to be in with a very strong shout.
"I'm honoured - but I have no influence on anything so I'll just keep focusing on playing games and that's all I can do," he said.
"If I'm picked I will be honoured but if I'm not picked, it is not the end of the world."
For Van Dijk to even be in the conversation with the likes of Messi and Ronaldo to win the award is nothing short of sensational but the realistic thought that he might actually pip them to the accolade is mind-blowing.
A defender hasn't won the Balon d'Or since Fabio Cannavaro in 2006 but before that it was Franz Beckenbauer in 1976.
"I'm feeling good, feeling fit and I feel like I keep improving," Van Dijk added.
"There's still plenty for me to improve on as well and the only thing I want to do is keep working hard and giving everything I can in every game and in training while being an example to other players that come through the ranks at Melwood and also younger players making their way into professional football.
"Of course I can get better, everyone can get better.
"That's definitely the feeling in my case."
