Van Dijk can pip big two says Ramos
TOP AWARD WITHIN GRASP
SERGIO RAMOS believes Virgil van Dijk is capable of beating Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to the Ballon d’Or.
The Liverpool defender is a major contender for the award after his outstanding performances in the Champions League, which last month earned him UEFA Player of the Year.
Messi and Ronaldo have both cleaned up in the Ballon d’Or, sharing the award for 10 years between 2008 and 2017.
Luka Modric, the former Spurs midfielder now with Real Madrid, broke that stranglehold last September after his heroics helped Croatia reach the World Cup final.
And Ramos – who has a contentious history with Liverpool after tangling with Mo Salah in the 2018 Champions League final – believes Van Dijk can also keep the prize away from that illustrious pair.
“If Van Dijk wins it, it will be on sufficient merit,” said the Spain and Real Madrid legend. “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.” Van Dijk would become the first centre-back to win the accolade since Fabio Cannavaro in 2006, after he captained Italy to World Cup glory.
Ramos 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 Cristiano 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.”
Liverpool were given a boost yesterday when it was revealed that goalkeeper Alisson is back in training and could play again by the end of the month.
The Brazilian suffered a calf injury in the opening game of the Premier League season against Norwich, and the Reds initially feared he could be sidelined for several months.
But goalkeeping coach John Achterberg said: “In the last few days he has been out on the pitch to do some catching and footwork, as well as small passing drills.
“He has made steady progress. It needs time and we cannot look too far ahead so we take each day as it comes, see how he feels and then make progress from that.”
Alisson will not be rushed back, with stand-in keeper Adrian adapting well to life at Anfield.
Achterberg said of the Spanish veteran: “We couldn’t be happier with how it’s gone.
“He is a really nice guy, he is always positive and good to talk to.”