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Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk voted as the player of the year for his main rival, Raheem Sterling, believing the Manchester City striker deserved this recognition.
The Dutch international or his teammates have never thought to vote tactically to reduce the number of players Sterling, which may be a tight race for the title of the Association of professional footballers.
Van Dijk, who has been rated favorite by the bookmakers, ahead of Sterling for the coveted prize, has not understood the interest of denying a credit to a pro colleague.
"I voted for Raheem Sterling. I did what I thought and I thought he deserved it, "said the Liverpool man.
"He had a fantastic season. I could have voted for Bernardo Silva and two other City players too.
"But I'm just honest. I think he's much improved as a player. We will see if he wins. "
Although the individual award is fully deserved by Van Dijk, whose impact since arriving in Liverpool in January 2018 can not be underestimated, there is much more at stake.
Jurgen Klopp's team is still in contention for a memorable double since she has two points ahead of City at the top of the Premier League – but having played an extra match – in her quest for # 39; a first national title since 1990, and is in last place. eight of the Champions League while they are trying to reach a consecutive final.
"Of course, you're going to be proud, it's something you have to be," added Van Dijk.
"But every effort on the training ground is something we all did together – and that's something to gain as a team, collectively as a club. I hope this is something that will happen.
"We can all keep our heads up with the number of points we have achieved, losing only one match in the Premier League so far, it's something very special.
"Until everything is decided, we must continue. Individual trophies? I do not know."
When Van Dijk moved to Anfield for a defending world record, he had many other great clubs – City, Chelsea and Real Madrid to name a few – interested.
But the Dutchman said that he knew immediately that Liverpool was the right one.
"We immediately felt it was the club for me. I could really feel it with the players we have here, the manager and the fans of the club, "he said.
"I really thought we could play trophies. I came last winter and already being in the final of the Champions League was a surprise to me, but it was something that I really wanted to achieve.
"(Now) we have another team in the league that plays" pretty "well and it 's a bit crazy with the number of points we both have that one of us does not have. is still not even champion. "
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Van Dijk admits that a false move could see their dreams fall apart around him, but insists that they can not allow fear to take over.
"I think the most important thing is to do what we do. Enjoy it, "said the central defender.
"I think all teams in the league would like to be in our place now. We are in a great situation.
"It could have been better, but it's like that. We still have a chance to win the title and a chance to win the Champions League.
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"It can become a fear when you read all the media and social media. In this situation, you must be very mentally strong.
"When the whistle is heard and the games begin, we will have to show what we have done throughout the season, show your quality, be confident and approve it."
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