Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has backed "outstanding" Virgil van Dijk for the PFA Player of the Year award, admitting that he would be upset to see his defender miss out.
Van Dijk has marshalled the Premier League's most formidable backline in 2018-19, with the Reds conceding just 20 goals in their 34 games to date in the top flight.
As well as keeping the club alongside Manchester City in the title race, that form has placed the Dutchman amongst the top candidates for the individual prize.
Editors' Picks
And when quizzed on his charge, Klopp affirmed that Van Dijk was the obvious pick for Player of the Year.