Virgil van Dijk has won UEFA's Player of the Year award.
The Liverpool centre-back had already been named the Champions League defender of the season during the draw for the competition's Group Stages.
The 28-year-old is the first defender to win the award since the inaugural edition in 2010-11.
The UEFA Player of the season.
"It's been a long road but it's been part of my journey".
Without them and without the staff, I wouldn't have achieved what I've achieved over the past year. "I'm happy to receive this trophy - it's a credit to everyone I've worked alongside".
Liverpool signed Van Dijk for a reported fee of £75m from Southampton on New Year's Day 2018 and the following October he was installed as captain by manager Jurgen Klopp after a players' vote.
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Liverpool star Alisson Becker was named UEFA Champions League Goalkeeper of the Season.
This year's third candidate, Van Dijk, is hoping to win the award for the first time, which would also see him become the first Liverpool player to do so since Steven Gerrard in 2005 - you can view the 10 most recent winners by scrolling through the gallery above!
The Brazilian kept six clean sheets during Liverpool's Champions League run, including in the final where he made eight saves in the Reds' 2-0 win over Tottenham.
"It was a special year", said the 34-year-old.
Burnley fan Scott Cunliffe was joint victor of the UEFA #EqualGame Award, which honours those who highlight diversity, inclusion and accessibility in football.
Elsewhere, Frenkie de Jong was named as the Midfielder of the Year, on the back of his standout showings at the heart of Ajax's midfield en route to their heartbreaking semi-final exit at the hands of Tottenham.
Meanwhile, Eric Cantona received the Uefa President's Award, which "recognises outstanding achievements, professional excellence and exemplary personal qualities".





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