Back to the Soccer Newsfeed

Rio Ferdinand Questions Decision to Crown Virgil van Dijk as UEFA Player of the Year

Manchester United legend and former defender Rio Ferdinand has questioned the decision to name fellow centre back Virgil van Dijk the UEFA Player of the Year ahead of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Liverpool defender, who was crowned the PFA Player of the Year, helped his side lift the Champions League last season for the first time since 2005 and showcased his exceptional defensive capabilities, as well as chipping in with important attacking contributions, during the Reds' fantastic campaign.

Van Dijk, who pipped both Messi and Ronaldo to the prestigious UEFA award last Thursday, also famously went 50 league games without being dribbled past.