Van Dijk Praises Team After PFA Player of the Year Win

For the second year running, a Liverpool player has been named the PFA Player of the Year. It’s hard to fault the choice, considering how imperious the defender has proven himself in the Reds’ back line this season.

In his post-victory interview, the Dutchman discussed his first full season with Liverpool.

“[Winning the award] is pretty difficult to put it into words,” he admitted. “I think it’s the highest honour you can get as a player – to be voted Player of the Year by the players you play against every week. It’s special. I’m obviously very proud and honoured to win it.”

As to the key to the success of Liverpool’s incredible defense this season? It’s a whole group effort.

“I think the key is that the way we defend is to do it altogether. Defending starts up front. How our strikers put pressure on defenders is unbelievable, I don’t want to be put under pressure by those kinds of players,” van Dijk said. “And even if they beat that press, we still have a midfield that keeps hunting you down at all times. It makes it a lot easier for us as a back four, with the goalkeeper, to [not] be under pressure. But if we’re under pressure we still need to deal with it and I think that’s been going pretty well as well.”

One and a half good seasons isn’t enough for our Dutch king. Van Dijk is aiming to be a Liverpool legend by adding some trophies to the already stuffed cases at Anfield.

“We’re working hard every day for it and hopefully in the future that will happen. That’s definitely what we’re looking for.”