Brazil and AC Milan football legend, Cafu Ballon d’Or, has praised Liverpool right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold, for reminding him of himself and for possessing a Brazilian player instinct.
The 21-year-old England international has been a sensation to watch since his breakthrough to Liverpool squad in 2017.
Arnold already has 10 assists and has scored two goals in just 26 league appearances this season. His rise to fame earned the youngster a recognition from the two-time World Cup winner, Ballon d’Or, who says that Arnold is definitely one of the top players on the planet.
During an interview with ‘Mirror News’, Ballon d’Or said: “I think Alexander-Arnold is one of the best in the world, no doubt about it.
“He’s a great player – and I would say he has the same characteristics as I did.
“He has got big potential. He is strong and skillful, he really takes the game forward and he’s a player who sets up goals for Liverpool.
“So, yes, I can see lots of similarities between him and me when I was playing. I would say he’s got a Brazilian instinct in the way he plays."
Ballon d’Or went on to offer some words of advice to his fellow right-back, Alexander-Arnold.
“My advice for him is simple: just keep doing what you have been doing for the last few years,” he said.
“Alexander-Arnold shouldn’t change his way of playing. Even if he makes mistakes, he should carry on doing what he’s doing.
“I think he has what it takes to become a Ballon d’Or winner.
“We have to change this paradigm where the Ballon d’Or is only won by attackers and strikers.
“People have to see that defenders are just as important as attackers.”