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Brazil’s legendary World Cup-winning right-back Cafu tips Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold for Ballon d’Or glory

TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD could win the Ballon d'Or one day - according to Brazil legend Cafu.

The legendary World Cup winning right-back sees some some of his own traits in the Liverpool man and reckons that could see him bag the prestigious gong sooner rather than later.

 Trent Alexander-Arnold could win the Ballon d'Or one day, according to Cafu
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Trent Alexander-Arnold could win the Ballon d'Or one day, according to CafuCredit: PA:Empics Sport
 The World Cup winner sees some of his own traits in the Liverpool right-back
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The World Cup winner sees some of his own traits in the Liverpool right-backCredit: Getty Images - Getty

The 21-year-old won last season's Champions League and is on course to add a Premier League medal to his haul this season.

His ability to combine cultured defensive abilities with precision deliveries and pace going forward have seen the Englishman become one of Jurgen Klopp's most valuable assets.

And speaking to the Mirror, Cafu 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 skilful, 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."

The 49-year-old is widely considered one of the best right-backs to have ever played the game and gave the Reds talent some solid words of wisdom.

He added: "My advice for him is ­simple: just keep doing what you have been doing for the last few years.

“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.”

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