Virgil van Dijk has won the the PFA Players’ Player of the Year for 2019, according to the Daily Mail.

It was expected that either him or Raheem Sterling would win the award.

However, it is Van Dijk that has edged out the Manchester City player.

The two players were on a six-man shortlist that also included Sadio Mane, Sergio Aguero, Bernardo Silva and Eden Hazard. 

The official announcement is due on Thursday.

Van Dijk has had a stellar year.

His presence has been vital at the back as Liverpool have formed a title challenge.

The Reds have the best defence in the league, having conceded just 20 goals, with Van Dijk being a major reason for their success.

Quite incredibly, Van Dijk has not been dribbled past in any game for over a year.

He's also received just one yellow card, having played all but 36 minutes for Liverpool in the league this season.

And he's contributed in attack by scoring thee times.

Alan Shearer is just one of many who have backed Van Dijk to win the award in recent weeks.

"Here and now, I am giving it to Van Dijk, on the basis he has transformed Liverpool defensively and given them the backbone they need to go the distance in the title race," he wrote for the BBC.

"Defensively they have been so much more solid than they have been in recent seasons. In goal, Alisson has improved them too, but Van Dijk has been the big difference.

"He has just been a rock for them - a real man-mountain at the back with his organisation, presence and reading of the game.

"In games or situations where Liverpool have been under pressure, he has really stood out, because he has been so dominant - whatever the scenario, and whoever he is up against."

Does Van Dijk deserve to win the award? Or should Sterling have won it? Have your say by leaving a comment below.