Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk Wins UEFA Men's Player of the Year Award

Liverpool's centre-back Virgil van Dijk has been voted as the winner of 2019 UEFA men's player of the Year, making him the first defender to win the prize since 2010/11.

In the contest for the prestigious award, van Dijk was challenged by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi both who have won the prize three and two times respectively.

The Dutch is the leading centre-back in Jurgen Klopp's squad and was the most expensive defender in history after signing to £75 million deal to join Liverpool from Southampton until Harry Maguire upset his record in his £80m move to Manchester United from Leicester City this summer.

Dijk played a significant role in the club's successful run last season to finish second place behind Manchester City and in winning the Champion League for the first time since 2004/05.

In the women's category, England's full-back Lucy Bronze gained the most votes to beat other contenders - Ada Hegerberg and Amandine Henry - to the prize.