Ballon d’Or 2019: After Uefa Nations League Final, Ryan Babel Identifies Player That Should Win Award

Netherlands and Fulham forward, Ryan Babel, has backed Liverpool defender, Virgil van Dijk to win this year’s Ballon d’Or.

Babel, a fellow country teammate with Van Dijk, believes the centre-back can be the first defender since Italian legend, Fabio Cannavaro, in 2006 to win the Ballon d’Or.

The 32-year-old stated this after Portugal defeated Netherlands 1-0 in Sunday’s UEFA Nations League final.

Asked who should win 2019 Ballon d’Or, Babel told Sky Sports News: “The last time I remember a defender winning the Ballon d’Or, it was Cannavaro in 2006. So it’s not impossible.

“I think it is fair that he [Van Dijk] would at least be on the shortlist.

“We will see in the end if he wins it or not. I would be very happy for him if he does.”