Liverpool have just got more Virgil van Dijk proof as Reds captain set to learn fate

If Virgil van Dijk needed any more indication he is nearing his best once more, his nomination to be part of the 2023 FIFA FIFPRO Men's World 11 was a sign.

The Liverpool captain is enjoying a fine season at the heart of the best defence in the Premier League. The Reds have shipped a league low 18 with Van Dijk once more proving himself as the bedrock of the backline.

The centre-half has featured in 18 of the Reds' 20 games so far and has been an ever-present since he returned from suspension back in September. Such has been the Netherlands captain's performances this term, in fact, that many have started to debate just how close he currently is to the sort of form that saw him inspire the Reds to Champions League and Premier League-winning glory in 2019 and 2020.

That, wherever you stand, will prove to be a healthy debate but there can be little doubt that Van Dijk has been one of the outstanding performers for a team who hold a three-point advantage at the summit of English football right now. Clearly, his contemporaries also agree with the Dutchman one of six defenders to be selected for the prestigious shortlist that seeks to name 'the best 11 in world football' during 2023.

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With Van Dijk having lost just one of his last 27 Premier League games - which came when his team had been reduced to nine men at Tottenham in September - it's clear that his displays have been integral to Liverpool's resurgence in the last nine months.

More than 28,000 professionals have cast their vote to whittle down the shortlist, with Van Dijk competing for a place in the 11.