The Dutchman’s outstanding defensive performances this season have seen him emerge as a serious candidate for the annual PFA Player of the Year accolade.
Former Reds centre-back Jamie Carragher and current teammate Andy Robertson are on record as backing Van Dijk, who is part of a Liverpool defence that has recorded 17 clean sheets in 29 league fixtures, to win the prize.
But the man himself puts the opportunity to claim Premier League glory, with Liverpool one point behind Manchester City, far above any personal recognition.
“I want to focus on achieving something special, which this club hasn’t done for 29 years, and if either myself or any other players are involved in picking up individual awards, that’s great,” Van Dijk told FourFourTwo magazine.