Trent Alexander-Arnold told why he’ll NEVER win the Ballon d’Or even if he joins Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid as former Liverpool defender urges in-demand star to be ‘honest’ over his future

The England international defender is seeing his contract at Anfield run down. If no fresh terms are agreed, then the Merseyside native will ready himself for a new challenge in the summer. There has been talk of the 26-year-old making his way to Santiago Bernabeu.

Alexander-Arnold is a close friend of Blancos ‘Galactico’ Jude Bellingham, who has put himself in contention for Golden Ball recognition since moving to the Spanish capital. Real boast a rich history in that department – with their roll of honour including Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Karim Benzema – and more success is expected.

The qualities of Alexander-Arnold, which buck the natural right-back trend, could allow him to compete for the grandest of individual prizes. Ex-Liverpool full-back John Arne Riise – speaking in association with BetMGM – has, however, told GOAL of claims to the Ballon d’Or: “He could end up being the best right-back in the world. He is already in the top five, top three.

“It’s so difficult to win the Ballon d’Or as a defender. [Virgil] van Dijk didn’t win it a few years ago. If Van Dijk’s performances didn’t win the Ballon d’Or then, nobody will!

“I think Trent is just looking for a different challenge. Sometimes you need that to keep your level up, to come to training everyday and be a professional 24/7 for so many years. I would understand Trent’s situation if he does decide to go to Madrid.”

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Riise added on the appeal of life at Real and the need for star turns at Anfield to be honest with a loyal fan base when it comes to their future plans, as Alexander-Arnold mulls over his options alongside fellow contract rebels Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah: “Of the three players – Van Dijk, Salah, Trent – I was more convinced that Trent will go. That didn’t happen in January, so now maybe in the summer.

“I can understand Trent’s situation if he goes and tells the fans why he might be leaving, if he does leave. He has done everything, been there since he was a young kid, won everything at Liverpool, so he wants to test himself. People respect that.

“Yes, you have been at a great club like Liverpool your whole life and winning things, but some players have other passions and other dreams. For him to have the chance to go and play for Real Madrid might be for him – test himself in a different league, different team-mates and opposition. You never know. I would understand if he goes to Madrid. But I think he should be honest with the fans and tell them why. He has done everything he can at Liverpool.”

Alexander-Arnold has taken in 345 appearances for Liverpool since making his senior debut in October 2016. He has helped the Reds to Premier League, Champions League, Community Shield, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup honours, while also being named PFA Young Player of the Year in 2020.

John Arne Riise was speaking on behalf of BetMGM. Play the £1million Golden Goals game this season by correctly predicting Premier League scores. BeGambleAware |18+