Bonucci backs van Dijk and claims he ‘deserves Ballon d’Or’
Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk has been backed by Leonardo Bonucci.
The Italian defender was talking about the Dutchman, and Football Italia has reported that he said good things.
Bonucci should know a thing or two about good defenders – he’s played alongside one of the best ever for nine of the last 10 years.
Giorgio Chiellini and the 33-year-old have formed a tremendous partnership at the heart of the Juventus defence, but Bonucci still feels that Virgil van Dijk could be in with a shot at the Ballon d’Or over either of them.
"He said: “We are fortunate to be seeing two of the best defenders in the world face off, like Giorgio Chiellini and Virgil van Dijk, who I’d say are two of the top five.“Van Dijk proved in the Premier League and on international duty that he deserves the Ballon d’Or.”"
Football fans should get the chance to see all three on the field when Italy take on the Netherlands during the Nations League.
Van Dijk has been superb since he joined Liverpool and is rightly heralded as one of the best players in the world. His overall impact led the Dutchman to being considered as someone who deserves to win the Ballon d’Or over traditional favourites like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.
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Liverpool fans will be watching these international games with a few nerves. The Premier League is yet to kick off and we’re going to want to see international sides taking extreme care of the players in their squads.
Van Dijk is vital to the way the team plays and operates. He’s a leader, sets the tempo from the back and frightens opposition attackers.
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Liverpool kick their season off on Saturday as they play newly promoted side Leeds United. Watching Marcelo Bielsa operate in the Premier League will be an excellent experience, and expect them to be a different kettle of fish to Norwich City.
They’ve spent some money, must to the annoyance of some fans, but will keep a settled squad and a very prescribed way of playing.
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Van Dijk is going to be key to getting a result.