Van Dijk: ‘I’ve had to work so hard’

defender, who also won defender of the year at the ceremony in Monaco, said: “It has been a long road but that’s part of my journey, it’s part of who I am.

“I needed it like this, I’m not a player who was 18 years old and had that rise straight away. I had to work hard for every step of the way.

“I’m very proud to get this trophy.”

Liverpool keeper Alisson picked up the goalkeeper of the year award. Jurgen Klopp’s side will play Napoli again after facing the Italians in the group stages last season.

They were also grouped with Sadio Mane and Naby Keita’s former club Red Bull Salzburg and Belgium outfit Genk. Klopp said: “Napoli again! I don’t know how often I’ve now played against Napoli but they’re an experienced side.”

Manchester City Director of football Txiki Begiristain said of his club’s chances: “In the Champions League, everything has to be perfect.”