Virgil van Dijk has been cut to odds-on 3/5 favourite to win the PFA Player of the Year Award with 888Sport.

Following his two-goal haul for Liverpool against Watford last night, and a string of strong performances at the back all season, the Reds defender now seems nailed on to win the end of season gong.

Victory for Van Dijk, who was as long as 125/1 before a ball was kicked this season, would make it the second season in succession that a Liverpool player has won the award, after Mo Salah last term.

He would also be the first defender to claim the prize since John Terry in 2005 and only the fourth Dutchman to win the prestigious award, after Dennis Bergkamp, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Robin van Persie.

Van Dijk, who has been favourite since late December, heads the betting by a distance, with Sergio Aguero (4/1), Raheem Sterling (10/1) and Mo Salah (12/1) a long way behind the defender.

More pressingly for Liverpool fans, however, is the 5-0 victory over Watford that kept the Reds at the top of the Premier League table with 10 games of the season remaining.

Liverpool are 6/4 to win the title, though second-placed Manchester City remain favourites at 1/2.

An 888Sport spokesman said: “Two goals for Virgil van Dijk last night seem to have wrapped up the PFA Player of the Year award. We now make the Dutchman a very short 3/5 to pick up the prize.

“What isn’t so certain is the fate of the Premier League trophy – Liverpool fans will certainly hope Van Dijk can continue his fine form as the Reds hope to bring the title back to Anfield.”