Forget Kylian Mbappe and Leroy Sane, Virgil van Dijk was the fastest player in the 2018/19 Champions League season.
The Liverpool defender recorded a staggering 34.5 km/h during his side's semi-final first leg against Barcelona at the Camp Nou.
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He clocked the impressive speed in the 92nd minute after Barcelona broke on the counter attack. The Dutchman brilliantly raced back into position as Liverpool thwarted Barcelona's late attack.
Of course, Liverpool eventually overturned Barcelona's advantage by completing a dramatic comeback in the second leg.
The Reds beat their Spanish counterparts 4-0 at Anfield to book a spot in the Champions League final, where they beat Tottenham to record their sixth European title.
Liverpool's commanding No.4 was a rock at the back as he was named 'Man of the Match', and he's now the favourite to win the Ballon d'Or.
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However, the man himself thinks Lionel Messi deserves the prestigious individual award.
"I think Messi is the best player in the world and I think he deserves it as long as he plays," he said following Liverpool's 2-0 victory over Spurs in Madrid.
"The Ballon d'Or is not something I am thinking of, but if it happens by any chance then obviously, I will take it.
"But I don't think there is any case and I think that Messi is still the best player in the world, and it doesn't matter if he isn't in the Champions League final."
Jamie Carragher also believes the Barcelona skipper should be named 2019 Ballon d'Or winner.
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I saw he's gone ahead of Messi in the betting. I'd be thinking Messi to be honest - very rarely you see a centre-back get that," said the former Liverpool defender.
"I think that Cannavaro got it on the back of winning the World Cup in 2006."
Who should win the Ballon d'Or? Let us know.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Liverpool, Football News, Football, Barcelona, Lionel Messi, Ballon d'Or, Champions League, Liverpool News, Jamie Carragher
