Virgil van Dijk has voted for one of his biggest rivals for the PFA player of the year award – Raheem Sterling – to win this season’s prize in recognition of his improvement at Manchester City.

The Liverpool defender is among the favourites to land the accolade following an outstanding campaign for the Premier League leaders but believes several City players should be in the running.

Jürgen Klopp urges Liverpool to feel release of pressure before Porto clash Read more

Van Dijk ultimately opted for the former Liverpool winger Sterling, who could be his closest challenger for the honour, with voting rules preventing players backing their teammates.

Sterling, who is believed to have voted for Tottenham’s Harry Kane, has 15 goals and nine assists for Pep Guardiola’s team this season as they attempt to retain the Premier League title at Liverpool’s expense.

Van Dijk said: “I voted for Raheem Sterling. I did what I thought and I thought he deserves it. He’s had a fantastic season. I think I could have voted for Bernardo Silva as well and another couple of players from Manchester City. But I am just being honest. I think he has improved a lot as a player. We will see if he wins it.”

Play Video 2:00 'We are on fire': Jürgen Klopp hails Liverpool ahead of Champions League clash with Porto – video

Liverpool’s attempt to land a Premier League and Champions League double continues on Tuesday when they host Porto in the first leg of the quarter-finals. Van Dijk insists his focus is on silverware with Jürgen Klopp’s team and not individual awards. “We can all keep our heads high,” the Netherlands captain added. “With the amount of points that we have got, with only losing one game in the Premier League so far, it is something very special. Until everything is decided, we just have to keep going and give everything that we have got.

“Individual trophies? I don’t know. Of course, you’re going to be proud, that is something you have to be, but all the hard work in the training ground is something we all did together. It is to win something as a team, a collective thing as a club. Hopefully that is something that will happen.”