Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has undoubtedly cemented his position as one of the best full-backs in world football, but is he worthy of a Ballon d’Or?

Brazilian legend Cafu tipped Alexander-Arnold to win a Ballon d’Or all the way back in 2020, a prediction that has yet to come to light.

But Alexander-Arnold has still achieved stunning personal and team success for Liverpool since then, including winning the Premier League and Champions League.

The England defender has made Ballon d’Or shortlists, while he boasts over 300 appearances for his boyhood club.

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During that time, he has won over the hearts of the Anfield faithful, particularly thanks to his ability going forward, with over 100 goal involvements.

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But even with all of his experience, aged 26 and having captained Liverpool, there are still question marks over his defending.

And that is the area in which the Liverpool academy graduate simply must improve if he is to win the Ballon d’Or during his career, and even then it will still be a huge challenge.

Alexander-Arnold shared his ambitions to win the honour earlier this year, with no full-back having won the award, with such ambitions both lofty and admirable.

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Clinching the honour is a big ask for any player, but it has proven especially hard for defenders to emerge victorious, although it has become relatively easier to win now that Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are winding down their careers.

Fortunately, however, Arne Slot clearly has a passion for defending, with Liverpool’s seven Premier League clean sheets this season more than any other club.

Alexander-Arnold has had private meetings with Slot about his defending, which is only going to improve with more analysis and more time.

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There is, of course, the looming issue of the full-back’s expiring contract, and indeed the apparent interest from Real Madrid.

Alexander-Arnold is listening to Real Madrid’s ‘sales pitch’, with the defender undoubtedly able to boost his chances of Ballon d’Or success with a move to the Spanish capital.

Their legendary left-back Roberto Carlos finished second in the 2002 edition of the award, while current right-back Dani Carvajal finished fourth in the most recent edition.

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Moreover, Alexander-Arnold would simply have to improve his defending in order to compete with the likes of Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham in Real Madrid training day in, day out.

While it would be a phenomenal individual achievement, Alexander-Arnold would lose his current adoration from the Anfield faithful if he was to depart, while Real Madrid is arguably the only progressive career move he could make at this stage.

CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsPremier League2401561UEFA Champions League57212FA Cup12–2EFL Cup8–6Europa League5–2Champions League Qualification21–Community Shield21–Club World Cup2–1UEFA Super Cup1––TOTAL3291984Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool stats

Moreover, he wouldn’t exactly be giving up the chance of winning silverware by leaving Liverpool, with the Reds still able to lift four trophies in Slot’s debut season.

And there is, of course, still the presence of Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota among others that can help Alexander-Arnold improve defensively at Liverpool.

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