Jamie Carragher predicts 2019 Ballon d'Or winner - and it's not Virgil van Dijk

Photo/SkySports Virgil van Dijk is one of the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or award following a sensational season at Liverpool, however, Jamie Carragher doesn’t think the Dutchman will win the award. Liverpool legend reckons Lionel Messi will win the Ballon d’Or this season. "I saw he's gone ahead of Messi in the betting. I'd be thinking Messi to be honest – very rarely you see a centre-back get that," said Carragher on Sky Sports. "I think that Cannavaro got it on the back of winning the World Cup in 2006. "I don't think his game has changed too much over the season. He's obviously had a great season but I think you've got to win big things and I think that Champions League has put that stamp on him being one of the world's best. "When we spoke earlier this season we always spoke about Pique and Ramos not necessarily that they were performing better than Van Dijk – but they have the medals for club and country. That's why he'll be disappointed today [missing out on Nations League]. Obviously, it's not a World Cup or a Euros but it's just that nice little trophy for his country. But I think when you win something big, that's when you really cement yourself at that level and I think he is the best in the world in that position. He's proven himself. But, Ballon d'Or, I think Messi."

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