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Virgil van Dijk receives prestigious honor as Liverpool captain names surprise 'idol'
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has said he is "proud" to have been recognised by his peers in the FIFPRO World 11.
The peer-voted award names the best team in football for the calendar year, with footballers from across the globe voting for who they would like to see in the prestigious XI. Having been nominated in 2019, 2020 and 2022, Van Dijk has now been selected for a fourth time in the FIFPRO World 11, something which is a source of immense pride to the Reds skipper.
"I’m proud to be in the FIFPRO World 11," Van Dijk told FIFPRO. "It means a lot because it’s voted for by your peers and it’s always a great feeling to get recognition in that way.
He added: "It means a little bit more [being recognised by fellow professionals]. You play against these guys and they can definitely feel what kind of qualities you have and how difficult you can make it for them. It’s always a great feeling to be voted in the FIFPRO World 11."
Van Dijk was the only Liverpool selected in the FIFPRO XI, with the other two defenders named Dani Carvajal and Antonio Rudiger. The midfield is made up of Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri, Toni Kroos and Jude Bellingham, with the attack comprising of Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Vinicius Junior.
And in being named for a fourth time, Van Dijk has now surpassed his idol from his youth, who is surprisingly not a defender, but rather Brazilian icon Ronaldinho.
Van Dijk said: "I tried to play like Ronaldinho a little bit when I was younger. I had some tekkers [technique] to be honest, but he played up front and I played at the back. The joy he brought to the pitch and his qualities, goals, assists, tricks, enjoyment – a really, fantastic player."
Liverpool.com says: "Virgil van Dijk is the best center-back in the world and has shown no signs of dropping off despite his age. He is currently operating at such a high level it would be a travesty if Liverpool could not tie him down to a new deal, with Van Dijk out of contract in the summer. Liverpool need to do everything they can to tie Van Dijk down, with the Dutchman open to staying at Anfield."
