Van Dijk: Title my focus, not individual awards
Virgil van Dijk craves the legendary status that he believes would come with Premier League title success at Liverpool over individual awards.
The Dutchman’s outstanding defensive performances this season have seen him emerge as a serious candidate for the annual PFA Player of the Year accolade.
Former Reds centre-back Jamie Carragher and current teammate Andy Robertson are on record as backing Van Dijk, who is part of a Liverpool defence that has recorded 17 clean sheets in 29 league fixtures, to win the prize.
But the man himself puts the opportunity to claim Premier League glory, with Liverpool one point behind Manchester City, far above any personal recognition.
“I want to focus on achieving something special, which this club hasn’t done for 29 years, and if either myself or any other players are involved in picking up individual awards, that’s great,” Van Dijk told FourFourTwo magazine.
“It would be a huge honour, but I’d be very proud if any of the squad win awards for a great season, like Mo Salah did last time.
“Winning the league makes you feel even more proud of yourself and the team. It’s a sign of the hard work you’ve put in over a whole season.
“That motivates you. Winning the Premier League title puts you in the history books forever and makes you a legend. That’s why you play football. You want to become a legend.”