The winner will be announced - alongside the UEFA Women's Player
of the Year - during the Champions League group stage draw on Thursday, August 29.
Van Dijk is up for the award following a fine time of late with
Liverpool, playing an influential role as they won the Champions League before
going on to win the UEFA Super Cup against Chelsea on Wednesday evening.
The
28-year-old imposing centre-back also reached the UEFA Nations League final
with Holland earlier in the summer, where they were beaten by Portugal.
Messi,
meanwhile, finished top goalscorer in the Champions League and picked up the
European Golden Shoe, as well as claiming his 10th La Liga title with
Barcelona.
Barcelona's
Champions League run was ended by Van Dijk's Liverpool in the most incredible
of circumstances.
Messi
spearheaded Barcelona to a 3-0 first-leg victory at the Nou Camp, scoring twice
including a stunning free-kick.
But
Liverpool overturned the deficit with a stunning 4-0 triumph at Anfield.
Ronaldo
made the shortlist after claiming his first Serie A title with Juventus
following his £100m move from Real Madrid before leading Portugal to Nations
League glory, where he was named top scorer at the finals.
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