Virgil van Dijk has pulled ahead to become the bookmakers' favourite to win this season's prestigious Ballon d'Or.

The Liverpool defender helped his side become European champions for the sixth time in their history in Madrid, and now is sparring with Lionel Messi for the title of Europe's top player.

Van Dijk added to his cause this week when captaining Holland to a crunch victory over England and a place in the finals of the UEFA Nations League.

Virgil van Dijk has emerged as the bookmakers' favourite to win the 2019 Ballon d'Or

The central defender helped Liverpool win the Champions League in Madrid

Now the Liverpool man appears set to scoop the biggest personal accolade of them all.

Following Holland's result, Van Dijk shifted up among the bookmakers to feature as the frontrunner for Ballon d'Or glory.

Lionel Messi currently occupies second place, while many place another Liverpool star in Sadio Mane at third.

Mohamed Salah is also in the betting, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Raheem Sterling following.

The award, which recognises the finest player in European football, is held by Luka Modric

Lionel Messi is also a hot candidate while Cristiano Ronaldo looks set to miss out

Van Dijk's Liverpool team-mate Sadio Mane has also been placed into contention

BALLON D'OR ODDS 8/11 Van Dijk 6/5 Lionel Messi 20/1 Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah 25/1 Cristiano Ronaldo, Raheem Sterling From oddschecker Advertisement

Van Dijk has already helped himself to PFA Player of the Year in the Premier League this season, after transforming Jurgen Klopp's back line into the country's most watertight.

Should he scoop the Ballon d'Or and take over from last year's winner Luka Modric, Van Dijk would become the first defender to take the top prize since Italian icon Fabio Cannavaro in 2006.

Van Dijk and Holland will go up against Ronaldo's Portugal in the final of the UEFA Nations League in Porto's Estadio Do Dragao on Sunday, June 9.