I think you're right. There's a massive conspiracy by everyone associated with English football, from the hierarchy at the FA, to each club in the top tier, and to the fanbases of every non-Manchester City club in the top 4 leagues, to propagate the untruth that Van Dijk is a good player.
If Van Dijk ends up on the player of the year shortlist, that will only prove what you said and confirm this conspiracy. It is 2019 Vincent Kompany who can't keep a starting spot at his team who should be in that shortlist.
We must get to the bottom of this. PM me later on ways to expose this insidious machination to the masses.