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Sergio Ramos Believes Virgil van Dijk Can Pip Cristiano Ronaldo To The Ballon d’Or

Sergio Ramos Believes Virgil van Dijk Can Pip Cristiano Ronaldo To The Ballon d’Or

He's spoke glowingly about the Liverpool defender.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

Sergio Ramos has backed Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk to win the prestigious Ballon d'Or ahead of former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Van Dijk's in the running to claim the Ballon d'Or after scooping the UEFA Men's Player of the Year, and Ramos believes he can pip Ronaldo and Messi to the coveted individual prize.

"As a defender, it's harder. It seems as though it's not just Messi and Cristiano [now]. It seems there's a route opening [for others]," he said.

"I don't know, but if Cannavaro won it then why not?

"You have to keep the dream you had as a child so that it can happen. He had a great season.

"We always talk about Ronaldo and Messi, but the possibility that another player can win it is a beautiful thing.

"If he wins, I'll congratulate him. He had a very good season."

Image: PA
Image: PA
Image: PA
Image: PA

Van Dijk's Liverpool teammate Adrian compared the Dutchman to Ramos and believes he "totally deserves" to win the Ballon d'Or.

"It is very difficult. For me they are the two best centre-backs in the world and would make an unstoppable partnership on any team," he said.

"I think that having them in front of them, in defence, any goalkeeper in the world could be very calm.

"I had the opportunity to train with Sergio in the national team. He is number one inside and outside the locker room.

"And what can I say about Virgil that is not already known. He is at a spectacular level. He is a top centre-back.

"There is talk of him being a candidate to win the Golden Ball. For me, he totally deserves it. It is not easy being a defender in the Premier League and he showing that he has a spectacular level."

The 28-year-old is currently the favourite to win the Ballon d'Or following an incredible campaign at Liverpool last season.

He guided the Reds to Champions League glory and a second place finish in the Premier League.

If he adds the Ballon d'Or to his trophy cabinet, he'll be the first defender to win the award since Fabio Cannavaro in 2006.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Liverpool, Football News, Sergio Ramos, Football, Lionel Messi, Ballon d'Or, Virgil Van Dijk, Champions League, Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado, and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Darren Till, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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