Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk insists any individual awards "won't change me".
Van Dijk has won UEFA's The Best title this year and is up for the Ballon d'Or.
He told AD: "Wwhatever comes out, it won't change me.
Look, you can't compare me as a football player with (Lionel) Messi or (Cristiano) Ronaldo. I think the only thing you can try is to compare the impact we have had on our teams. And even that is very difficult.
"I am especially pleased that there is appreciation for defenders. That we are being looked at differently. And that there can be a reward for all the dirty work that has been done.
"This is thanks to the boys from Liverpool and Oranje. You really only win these prizes if you have achieved success together.
Do I deserve it? What I think is that we have had a fantastic year. We were also able to win the Super Cup back in August. It just feels great. A defender does not often win individual prizes. I think Fabio Cannavaro was the last in 2006. Maybe it is time for a defender again."
