[ad_pod ]For the second year in a row, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo haven’t been named the Men's Player of the Year by UEFA.Last year, Luka Modric swooped in to claim the prize, and on Thursday Virgil van Dijk picked up the honour.The Dutchman has been exceptional over the past year. He was a key man in Liverpool’s Champions League win as well as being named PFA Player of the Year for his exploits in the Premier League.Van Dijk became the first Liverpool player to win UEFA’s top award since Steven Gerrard in 2005, and Anfield stars past and present took to Twitter to congratulate the 28-year-old.

A couple of players who saw first-hand what the Dutchman did last season were quick to congratulate him.

Trent Alexander-Arnold said that the award was well-deserved, while James Milner praised him.

A former fan favourite was also happy to see the defender pick up the honour as John Arne Riise stated that the win was well-earned. We agree John.

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