- Virgil Van Dijk is ahead of Messi in the race for the Ballon d'Or
- Messi suffered a setback after Argentina's semi-final exit Copa America
- Van Dijk played a vital role during Liverpool’s successful run in the UCL last season
Virgil Van Dijk is now leading the race to emerge the first defender to claim the Ballon d'Or since Fabio Cannavaro 13 years ago.
According to UK Sun report, the Dutchman, who claimed the Champions League with Liverpool last month has leapfrogged closest rival Lionel Messi after Argentina's semi-final exit at the ongoing Copa America.
Messi, a five-time winner of the Ballon d'Or could only score one goal and could not register any assist during Copa America before host nation Brazil sent them packing with a 2-0 defeat.
On the other hand, the 27-year-old Van Dijk, played a vital role during Liverpool’s successful campaign.
The centre-back was rewarded for his decent form as he was named the PFA Player of the Year.
The Dutchman, who is also the world’s costliest defender at £75m is now closing in on winning football’s greatest individual honour.
And if he succeeds in winning the Ballon d'Or, he will be the first Liverpool star to achieve such feat since Michael Owen in 2001.
Bookmakers are tipping him as 4/6 favourite with Messi closely behind with odds of 6/5.
Cristiano Ronaldo is third at 12/1 and appears to have fallen out of the race.
Menahwile, Messi had a remarkable goalscoring form last campaign with 36 goals in 36 La Liga matches.
The Argentine also netted 12 times in the Champions League, but Barca’s defeat in the UCL by Liverpool, may have cost him a Ballon d'Or win.
Source: Tuko
