The Champions League dominates our coverage this
month. In every aspect of football – technically, tactically,
fi nancially – it is the world game’s most sophisticated
competition. The great moments in the careers of Lionel
Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have taken place against
the backdrop of the Champions League. Virgil Van Dijk’s
masterful performances for Liverpool have seen him
recognised by UEFA as Europe’s
best player – the fi rst of several
possible individual awards for
him over the coming months.
The autumn is also likely to see
renewed efforts to restrict access to
the Champions League to a select
band of wealthy clubs. There is a
dangerous assumption in football
that money equates to progress.
With regard to possible changes,
it is worth remembering that a
“super league” already exists with
the current Champions League format. I suspect we may
still be debating possible changes for many years to come.
This season’s winner is unlikely to come from outside
the cabal of rich super clubs, but the competition will
feature a number of fi rst-time managers and
plenty of youngsters keen
to make their mark. Hence
our features on Breakout
Stars (page 24) and Rookie
Coaches (page 40).Van Dijk voted Europe’s player of the season .......................................................... -p
River Plate and Boca to face each other again in Libertadores ........................... p
VAR controversy in Premier League ............................................................................ p
Diego Forlan announces retirement ............................................................................. p
Maguire is world’s most expensive defender ............................................................. p
Esperance confi rmed as African club champions ..................................................... p
De Rossi makes Boca Juniors debut ............................................................................ p
Juventus under fi re for South Korea friendly ............................................................ p
Champions League draw ................................................................................................ p
Europa League draw ........................................................................................................ pUEFAVan Dijk
voted Europe’s
best player
Virgil Van Dijk of Liverpool became the first
defender to win UEFA’s player of the season
award for his performances in his club’s
Champions League victory.
The Dutchman received his prize at a
ceremony in Monaco after finishing ahead
of previous winners Lionel Messi of Barcelona
and Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus.
The award was decided by a jury comprised
of the 80 coaches of the clubs that participated
in the group stage of the 2018-19 Champions
League and Europa League, along with 55
journalists, one from each of UEFA’s member
associations. Gavin Hamilton of World Soccer
was the English jury member.
Van Dijk was also voted UEFA’s defender of
the year. His team-mate Alisson, who finishedGavin Hamilton, Editor
There is a
dangerous
assumption
in football
that money
equates to
progress
THE WORLD THIS MONTH
Best...Lucy Bronze