Every tabloid headline tomorrow: SELFISH RAHEEM STERLING STEALS DESERVED VOTE FROM HUMBLE VAN DIJK
Votes have been cast for this season’s PFA Player of the Year, despite the fact there are several matches remaining in which everything can change. But that’s how they do them, two months early, for whatever reason.
Virgil van Dijk revealed recently that he voted for Raheem Sterling, his biggest rival for the individual award this season.
“I voted for Raheem Sterling. I did what I thought and I thought he deserves it,” the Liverpool defender said.
“He’s had a fantastic season. I could have voted for Bernardo Silva as well and another couple of players from City.
“But I am just being honest. I think he has improved a lot as a player. We will see if he wins it.”
Sterling, though, did not reciprocate this generous offer. When asked by BT Sport which player got his vote, Sterling could not initially remember, before saying “I think I voted for Harry Kane.”
Sterling looked somewhat embarrassed to be told Van Dijk voted for him, knowing he did not return the gesture.
“No way!” he exclaimed. “Don’t say that.”
Virgil van Dijk and Raheem Sterling are the runaway favourites for the PFA awards. 💪
But who did they pick as their player of the year? 🤔
Find out their votes below. 🗳👇 pic.twitter.com/RwigmutSnm
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2019
Tactical voting? Unlikely, but every vote counts, and one less vote for Van Dijk is effectively another vote for Sterling in this year’s race for the award.
It’s like voting Lib Dem in a safe Conservative constituency. They might not be your favourite, but you’d rather they got in than the Tories.
Whoever wins this year’s award will have deserved it. Van Dijk has had a transformative effect on Liverpool’s defence and played a crucial role in their title push, while Sterling has bagged 25 goals in all competitions this season for City.
