Liverpool's Van Dijk: We're playing against the best player in the world
The defender spoke after being named PFA Player of the Year
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk was named as the Premier League's Player of the Season on Sunday ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash against Barcelona.
Dutch international Van Dijk received the award which is given following a vote by members of the Professional Footballers' Association (the PFA).
He becomes the first defender to win the prize since Chelsea's John Terry back in 2005.
"[Liverpool coach Jurgen] Klopps gives me confidence," Van Dijk said. "I am really happy with my performances at the moment, especially with my fitness and my consistency."
Even though it's important to win individual awards, Van Dijk added that at the moment he doesn't "want to look to far ahwad. We have to take things step by step in the race for the [Premier League] title and the semifinal of the Champions League, against a great team [Barcelona] and the best player in the world [Lionel Messi].
"We are totally focused on the game against Barça. After that, we have another important match against Newcastle United."
Also nominated for the award was: Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva and Sergio Agüero (Manchester City), Sadio Mané (Liverpool) and Eden Hazard (Chelsea).
Congratulations, VVD! 🙌 @VirgilvDijk has been named as the @PFA Players’ Player of the Year. 👏 #PFAawards pic.twitter.com/asSm60VFJS
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) 28 de abril de 2019
BIG VIRG. 🔴🔴 pic.twitter.com/TAGoGhMM7Z
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) 29 de abril de 2019
