That is the opinion of former Arsenal winger Robert Pires. Van Dijk produced another virtuosic display at centre-back as Liverpool kept their fourth consecutive league clean sheet against Everton on Sunday. The Dutchman has been involved in more English top-flight clean sheets (23) than any other player since his Liverpool debut in January 2018, and his presence has been pivotal to Jurgen Klopp’s side, who have conceded 17 fewer goals than they had at this stage last season. As a result, Van Dijk is the hot favourite to win PFA Player of the Year - the most prestigious end-of-season individual award, voted by peers.

The bookies make him four times more likely to win it than his closest challenger, Sergio Aguero. An outside shout for the gong is Hazard, who started the season terrifically with seven goals and three assists in his first eight appearances. The forward has not been able to maintain his productivity, but has carried Maurizio Sarri’s side this season. Astonishingly, the Belgian can be found at odds of 100/1 to win Player of the Year, which is lunacy in the eyes of Arsenal legend Pires, who wielded a similar rapport with the ball.

Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk should lose out on POTY to Eden Hazard, says Robert Pires

Eden Hazard notched an assist against Fulham on the weekend

I’ve seen talk about Van Dijk winning POTY, but there should only be one winner - Eden Hazard Robert Pires

In a wide-ranging interview with bwin, Pires was asked whether he thinks Hazard should leave west London to join Real Madrid - as has been rumoured. “I think Hazard is the best player in the Premier League and he fits the profile of what Real Madrid are looking for,” Pires replied, veering slightly off topic. “I’ve seen talk about maybe [Virgil] Van Dijk winning Premier League Player of the Year, but there should only be one winner and his name is Eden Hazard. “I watch Chelsea matches just because I want to watch Hazard play.

Robert Pires won two Premier League titles at Arsenal and was in three teams of the year

Eden Hazard swept up a number of individual awards for the 2014/15 season