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‘Astonishing’ Liverpool stat means Virgil van Dijk will beat Raheem Sterling - Hargreaves
LIVERPOOL defender Virgil van Dijk will beat Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling to the PFA Player of the Year award, claims former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves.
Van Dijk and Sterling were both named on the shortlist for PFA Player of the Year on Saturday.
They were joined by Liverpool’s Sadio Mane, Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva and Sergio Aguero and Chelsea forward Eden Hazard.
England star Sterling has had an exceptional season, scoring 17 Premier League goals and registering nine assists as Pep Guardiola's side aim for back-to-back titles.
But Hargreaves believes the fact Liverpool have only lost one league game all term, with Van Dijk starting all 34 matches, puts him ahead of Sterling in the running.
Just for sheer impact and only one loss in April, I’d say impact-wise it’s Van Dijk
“I think considering it’s April and Liverpool have one loss is astonishing really,” Hargreaves said on BT Sport.
“With all the investment in the Premier League, so in that sense I’d say Van Dijk.
“But still I think it is incredibly harsh that Raheem is not going to win something.
“But just for sheer impact and only one loss in April, I’d say impact-wise it’s Van Dijk.”
Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen also believes Van Dijk should come out on top over Raheem Sterling.
“Van Dijk for me,” Owen said.
“I think he’s the best defender in the world.
“I think he’s just taken his game and Liverpool’s game and Liverpool’s defence to a total different level.
“Sterling is one of the best attacking players in the world, but there’s others.
“But I can’t think of anyone that comes close to Van Dijk and I think this season he’s been absolutely outstanding.
“I think they’re both far and away the best two [candidates] and looking down the list, looking for third, probably Mane maybe, Hazard.
“There’s no question it’s one of two isn’t it. It’s a bit like the Premier League, they’re two that are head and shoulders above everyone else at the moment.”