The Netherlands captain will receive his award on Thursday, but reports claim he has beaten the five other nominees to the prestigious award

Virgil van Dijk will be crowned as the PFA Player’s Player of the Year, according to reports.

The Liverpool defender is on a six-man shortlist for the prestigious award, where the winner will be crowned at Sunday’s ceremony.

However, it is is understood that Van Dijk has beaten closest competitor Raheem Sterling to the trophy.

2 Virgil van Dijk will be crowned PFA Players’ Player of the Season on Thursday

Anfield teammate Sadio Mane was also on the shortlist, with Manchester City trio Sterling, Bernardo Silva and Sergio Aguero in contention for the honour.

Chelsea talisman Eden Hazard was awarded the final spot on the shortlist, but it is the Dutch defender who will win the award.

Last season, Mohamed Salah was crowned the best player in the Premier League according to his fellow professionals after a spectacular debut season on Merseyside.

But Van Dijk’s form at the back for the best defence in the top-flight will see him succeed his teammate.

getty 2 Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling are set to miss out

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The 2019 PFA Awards will be held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Sunday, April 28.

Van Dijk has made 44 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool so far this season.

The defender joined the Reds from Southampton for £75million in January 2018 from Southampton and has been imperious for Jurgen Klopp’s men ever since.