Liverpool announce winner of February Player of the Month award

Liverpool have announced that Virgil van Dijk has been named the club's February Player of the Month due to his exceptional recent form. 

The Liverpool captain was at the heart of a memorable month for the Reds, most notably netting the winning goal in the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea at the end of February.

Virgil van Dijk's 118th-minute header proved decisive at Wembley, with the Dutchman having already seen a goal ruled out for offside earlier in the game.

The 32-year-old was named player of the match for the showpiece event and played a part in all six of Liverpool's games across February, also scoring against Luton Town in a 4-1 Premier League victory.

Speaking about winning the award, Van Dijk told Liverpoolfc.com: "I'm proud, of course, but the first feeling I'm getting is that obviously it's a massive credit to all the boys that have stepped up for us to get the results.

"Obviously I played a part in it but with all the injuries and all the problems that we had and difficulties that we had, the guys really stepped up, the young boys stepped up, so big credit to them.

"Very proud [to lead this team]. Winning a trophy anyway is special. Obviously the final was great – the reaction, the resilience we showed. I'm very proud of the boys, the young boys.

"The whole vibe that is at the moment at the AXA [Training Centre] and at Anfield, we just have to keep that going."

Van Dijk becomes the fifth different Liverpool player to win the award this season, taking the honour from Conor Bradley following his January performances.

Wataru Endo deservedly picked up the accolade in December, while fellow summer recruit Dominik Szoboszlai claimed the prize in August.

However, it has been an award dominated by Mohamed Salah yet again this season, with the Egyptian being named Liverpool Player of the Month for September, October and November.