Trent Alexander-Arnold might have been left wincing as he watched England’s second game under Thomas Tuchel - and not just because of his current injury issue.

The Liverpool vice-captain missed out on Tuchel’s first squad after picking up an ankle problem during the Reds’ Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

Part of the reason behind a move to Spain may well lie in his Ballon d’Or dreams.

The 26-year-old has made his ambition to win the biggest individual honor in soccer clear, having even ranked it higher than becoming Liverpool captain or winning another Champions League title.

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"Winning a World Cup with England - that would be immense and change the game, but I'd say win a Ballon d'Or, because I believe I can.

The Chelsea right-back opened the scoring at Wembley, doing his own hopes of becoming England’s first-choice right-back no harm whatsoever, and potentially damaging Alexander-Arnold’s dreams in the process.

Although many Liverpool fans won’t care too much about England, Alexander-Arnold will if he wants to win a Ballon d’Or

Moving to Madrid may well improve his chances of winning the prize, but as the last year has proved, it may take more than just success at the Bernabeu.

Despite Vinicius Jr winning La Liga and the Champions League last season with Los Blancos, that wasn’t enough to earn him the Ballon d’Or, with Manchester City’s Rodri instead scooping the prize, thanks in large part to Spain’s triumph at Euro 2024

That decision of course led to Real skipping the ceremony, which may have also damaged Alexander-Arnold’s chances in the future.

Speaking about what legacy he wants to leave when he retires, the Liverpool academy graduate said: "A legend of football, someone who changed the game

That is the main thing that I have - 'don't play the game; change the game'
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