Rio Ferdinand has placed Jamie Vardy ahead of Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk in the running to be named PFA Player of the Year.

Van Dijk received the award last season as part of a stellar campaign and he’s been just as impressive this time around for the Premier League champions-elect.

Vardy has enjoyed an excellent season too and is currently the top-flight’s top goalscorer with 17 goals, guiding Leicester City to third in the table.

Speaking at the launch of BT Sport’s 4-3-3 partnership, Ferdinand went through who he believes deserve to be in the conversation ahead of Van Dijk:

[Van Dijk would] get my vote for best defender, but he wouldn’t get my vote for Player of the Year. I think there are a few others vying for that accolade. Henderson has been very good. Mane has been my favourite player when I watch Liverpool. Vardy’s been good, scoring those goals. De Bruyne – when you watch him he just purrs. So there are a few names there.

READ LEICESTER VERDICT

It’s a bold statement to make, but when you actually think about it, it really isn’t a ridiculous one.

Van Dijk has been a behemoth once again for Jurgen Klopp in, by a long distance, the Premier League’s best team.

Vardy’s goals have lifted Leicester into a phenomenal spot, 12 points inside the top four and now 13 games away from Champions League qualification.

Realistically speaking though, it’d be a major shock if a Liverpool player didn’t claim the award considering how they’ve dominated since August.

For me, personally, Sadio Mane should be considered the frontrunner for the award but Jordan Henderson, who has been a class above in midfield, wouldn’t be a surprise winner either.

Regardless of who wins the award, I think Vardy has had a season to remember so far and it’s nowhere near over yet.

The 24 goals he netted in Leicester’s title-winning 2015-16 campaign is a beatable target for him to aim for in the closing months.

Be honest, does Jamie Vardy make your top three for PFA POTY?

Yes, he deserves it.

No, but he's up there.