Redknapp believes van Dijk can claim the Player of the Season award
Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk is the favourite to be crowned the Player of the Season, according to former England international Jamie Redknapp.
The Dutchman has helped the Reds achieve the best defensive record in the Premier League this season, having conceded only 14 goals in 24 games so far.
Although Redknapp claims that no one comes close to van Dijk for the award, he has put forward a shortlist of five candidates featuring David Silva, Harry Kane, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Eden Hazard and Mo Salah, all of whom have a fair chance of bagging the prize.
No one comes close to Virgil van Dijk,’ Redknapp told the Daily Mail.
‘He has transformed Liverpool into a rock-solid team who are favourites to win their first league title for 29 years.
‘His team-mate and reigning player of the year Mo Salah must fancy his chances of defending the crown. ‘He has followed up a record-breaking first season at Anfield by topping the scoring charts with 16 goals.
‘Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Kane — Salah’s golden boot rivals — also have to be included.
‘Aubameyang has been prolific in an Arsenal team who have struggled for creativity while Kane remains Spurs’ most important player.
‘His goals have been worth six points to Spurs — more than any player — and his late strikes against PSV salvaged their Champions League campaign.
‘At Manchester City, Raheem Sterling, Leroy Sane and Bernardo Silva have all enjoyed excellent seasons but I would argue that David Silva should be on the shortlist.
‘Now 33 and without Kevin De Bruyne alongside him for most of the campaign, he has been the heartbeat of Pep Guardiola’s side.
‘Chelsea may have blown hot and cold, but you cannot discount Eden Hazard. He is our league’s most naturally talented player and is in double figures for goals and assists.
‘With this award, timing is everything. This time last year De Bruyne was the clear favourite, only for Salah to storm into the running. But looking at the season so far, these six are the outstanding candidates.’
