Ronald Koeman: Virgil van Dijk Deserves Ballon d'Or over Lionel Messi

Netherlands national team manager Ronald Koeman believes Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk deserves to win this year's Ballon d'Or, saying his efforts to guide the Reds to the UEFA Champions League title should see him past Barcelona's Lionel Messi. 

Koeman believes Messi is the best player in the world, but "big trophies" are a key factor in awarding the honour, per Goal's John Skilbeck:

"He deserves to win the Ballon d'Or.

"It's usually handed to players who make or create decisive goals, but if there ever is a time to give it to a defender, it is now.

"In my opinion Messi is the best player. But I also think you should win big trophies with your team to be a contestant."

Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have dominated the award in recent years, winning five each between 2008 and 2017 until Luka Modric broke up their streak last year. No defender has won the award since Fabio Cannavaro in 2006.

Van Dijk believes Messi should claim a record sixth Ballon d'Or this year:

The Dutchman won his first piece of silverware with the Reds on Saturday in the 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League final. Mohamed Salah scored the opener from the penalty spot after just two minutes, and Divock Origi added a second goal late in the contest.

Van Dijk was his usual, dominant self, shutting down an attack that had scored three goals against Ajax in the second leg of their semi-final win.

It marked the conclusion of a phenomenal club season for the 27-year-old:

Compatriot Memphis Depay hopes he can carry that form into the Nations League finals, as Netherlands can add a trophy of their own in June:

Netherlands will face England for a spot in the final of this year's Nations League on Thursday. The winner will take on the victor of the match between Switzerland and Portugal, to be played on Sunday.

Success in Portugal could be another boost for Van Dijk's bid, as Messi will also be in action this summer and can win his first major trophy with Argentina since claiming gold at the 2008 Summer Olympics. The Albiceleste will face Colombia, Paraguay and Qatar in the group stages of this year's Copa America.

Messi has already won La Liga this season, scoring 36 goals as the Blaugrana defended their title. He also bagged his third straight Golden Shoe:

Van Dijk got the upper hand in a head-to-head between the two, however, knocking Barcelona out of the Champions League in an epic semi-final tie. Messi bagged a brace in a 3-0 win in Spain, but he and his team-mates lost 4-0 at Anfield in the return leg.