Ballon d’Or 2019: Ryan Babel identifies player that should win award

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Ballon d’Or 2019: Ryan Babel identifies player that should win award

 

Netherlands and Fulham forward, Ryan Babel, has backed Liverpool defender, Virgil van Dijk to win this year’s Ballon d’Or.

Babel, a fellow country teammate with Van Dijk, believes the centre-back can be the first defender since Italian legend, Fabio Cannavaro, in 2006 to win the Ballon d’Or.

The 32-year-old stated this after Portugal defeated Netherlands 1-0 in Sunday’s UEFA Nations League final.

Asked who should win 2019 Ballon d’Or, Babel told Sky Sports News: “The last time I remember a defender winning the Ballon d’Or, it was Cannavaro in 2006. So it’s not impossible.

“I think it is fair that he [Van Dijk] would at least be on the shortlist.

“We will see in the end if he wins it or not. I would be very happy for him if he does.

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UEFA Nations League final: What Van Dijk said after 1-0 defeat to Portugal

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UEFA Nations League final: What Van Dijk said after 1-0 defeat to Portugal

 

Netherlands captain, Virgil van Dijk, has insisted that he was “very proud” of his team after being edged out narrowly by hosts Portugal in the UEFA Nations League final.

Goncalo Guedes scored the game’s only goal after 60 minutes, with a powerful shot from the edge of the box as van Dijk and central defensive partner Matthijs de Ligt hesitated.

Although the Dutch came close to equalising a few times, the host nation held on for victory.

“I don’t think anyone would have believed us at the start of the tournament if we said we’d reach the final.

“I think we’ve made a lot of progress,” Van Dijk told reporters after the match.

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