mo4ch:> 'Messi is still the best' - Barcelona star deserved Ballon d'Or despite Van Dijk form, claims Stam | Mo4ch News

The Liverpool defender had been backed by many to claim football's ultimate individual prize in 2019 but was beaten out by the ArgentineLionel Messi is still the best player in the world and deserved to pip Virgil van Dijk to the 2019 Ballon d'Or, according to ex-Netherlands defender Jaap Stam.Barcelona’s captain lifted the prestigious award for a record sixth time in December, with Van Dijk and Cristiano Ronaldo making up the top three.There were many who felt that Van Dijk, who played a key role in Liverpool’s 2019 Champions League success, deserved to be the first defender since Fabio Cannavaro in 2006 to land the trophy.Editors' PicksBut former Manchester United, Lazio and AC Milan centre-back Stam believes Messi deserved to take the award despite his compatriot's strong performances.“Normally a defender is underestimated and people don’t think a lot about them,” the 47-year-old told Goal. “I think nowadays it is becoming better and people appreciate the job of def…