Ronaldo was in devastating form in the UEFA Nations League semifinal, scoring a sensational hat-trick to propel Portugal to a 3-1 win over Switzerland and into the finals of the tournament.

With Van Dijk’s Netherlands set to face England in the other semi-final, a mouthwatering showdown between Ronaldo and Van Dijk could be on the cards for the inaugural UEFA Nations League’s showpiece final.

In case you didn’t know…

Virgil van Dijk has had a scintillating season with Liverpool, leading them to the UEFA Champions League title, with the Dutchman declared the Man of the Match in the final.

He had a fantastic Premier League campaign as well, marshalling the stingiest defence in the league as the Reds conceded just 22 goals in 38 league games and gave a stern challenge to eventual winners Manchester City till the final matchday.

The Dutchman’s efforts were also recognised by his peers as Van Dijk was declared the PFA Players’ Player of the season.

Cristiano Ronaldo had an underwhelming season with Juventus, going by his world-class standards. The magisterial Portuguese hitman managed only 21 goals in the Serie A for Juventus, finishing as the fourth top-scorer in the league.

Despite guiding the Turin club to the Scudetto title, the Portuguese talisman was unable to get the Old Lady past the knockout stages in both the Coppa Italia and the UEFA Champions League.

The heart of the matter

Jose Fonte remarked on the Dutchman’s spectacular season and his chances of winning a Ballon d’Or.

Fonte and Van Dijk played together for close to two years at Premier League side Southampton, a time during which van Dijk improved his defensive game immensely.

Speaking on the possibility of Portugal meeting Van Dijk’s Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League final, Fonte remarked that having Cristiano Ronaldo could be the player to beat the Dutchman’s record of not having been dribbled past this season.

What’s next?

Netherlands, captained by Virgil van Dijk, will take on England in the second semi-final of the UEFA Nations League. Portugal will face the winner of this match in Sunday night’s final.

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