Former Celtic defender Virgil Van Dijk has been named on a three-man shortlist for UEFA Men's Player of the Year - alongside superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Van Dijk had an incredible season with Liverpool last term, helping them win the Champions League and losing out on the English Premier League title by one point to Man City.

The shortlist was picked by managers whose clubs played in the Champions League and Europa League in 2018-19 along with 55 journalists.

READ MORE: Robin Van Persie reckons ex-Celtic star Virgil Van Dijk 'has it all' and could become best in the world

The Dutchman, 28, also won the European Super Cup last night with his Anfield teammates.

Van Dijk played with Holland as they managed to make it all the way to the UEFA Nations League final back in June, only to again lose in the final to European champions Portugal - spearheaded by Ronaldo.

Ex-Hoops star Van Dijk was awarded PFA Player's Player of the Year for last season.

He also picked up the FA's Prem Player of the Season gong.

Meanwhile Barcelona's Messi picked up his tenth La Liga title and won the Champions League's top scorer award, the European Golden Shoe.

Ronaldo scored 28 times for Juventus last term, also winning Serie A in his first attempt.