Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has been named the Premier League Player of the Season.
Netherlands international Van Dijk has helped Liverpool, second in the table with one game remaining, to keep 20 clean sheets -- the best defensive record in the top division.
He won the award ahead of Anfield teammates Mohamed Salah -- who won last season -- and Sadio Mane, as well as Manchester City's Sergio Aguero, Bernardo Silva and Raheem Sterling and Chelsea's Eden Hazard.
Congratulations, @VirgilvDijk! ?
VVD is the 2018/19 @premierleague Player of the Season. ?? pic.twitter.com/TeB2n7MZ57
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 12, 2019
The centre-back, who has missed only 35 minutes of league action this season and scored four goals, was chosen by votes from the 20 Premier League captains, a panel of experts and fans.
- Kuper: How Van Dijk became Liverpool's leader
Last month, Van Dijk, who joined Liverpool from Southampton for £75 million last January, won the PFA Player of the Year award.
The 27-year-old became the second consecutive Liverpool player to win the award after Salah was crowned Player of the Year 12 months ago.
He was the first defender to win it since Chelsea centre-back John Terry in 2005.