Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk is one of the best center-backs in the world, a rock in one-on-one situations and a nightmare for opposing players.

The Dutchman is gearing up for one of the biggest moments of his career, as he'll represent the Netherlands at the World Cup in Qatar.

It's a big achievement given all that he's overcome in his career.

van Dijk's words

All the success van Dijk has achieved with Liverpool is only possible because he avoided tragedy at the age of 17.

While speaking with 'The Mirror', he explained how a burst appendix almost proved fatal.

"I looked death in the eye - and it was a terrible experience," van Dijk said.

"For the first time in my life, football meant nothing to me. It was not important at all. This was all about trying to stay alive.

"My mother and I were both praying to God and, to be honest, we were discussing various scenarios."

He signed his will

Things were so bad that van Dijk even signed a will while in hospital.

"At one point, I had to sign these documents. It was a will. If I would die in hospital, part of my money would go to my mum," said van Dijk.

"Nobody wanted to raise this issue, but it needed to be dealt with because there was a chance that I would die there and then.

"I remember lying in bed. All I could see were tubes and wires on my body.

"My body was broken. I was not capable of anything. The worst things went through my mind."