Brazilian legend Cafu says that he sees a lot of himself in the way that Trent Alexander-Arnold plays his Football.
It is not the first time that the two-time World Cup winner has spoken about the talents of the young Scouser and he believes that the right-back has what it takes to go all the way in the game.
The Mirror reported Cafu as saying:
“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 former AC Milan star his one piece of advice is to not change a thing.
“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.
Cafu also believes that defenders are at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to individual awards, something that he believes the 21 year-old can achieve.
“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.”
As Alexander-Arnold’s all-round game continues to evolve, there has been discussion whether a switch to a midfield role is on the cards.
But Cafu believes the England international is best suited to where he currently is.
“The role of full-back suits him better and I think he now has to get even better at doing what he already knows how to do.
“He has to play like one of the great full-backs, adapt to the position, become the best full-back in the world and then maybe there could be some sort of adaptation in terms of midfield.
“But, for now at least, he has to be the best full-back he can be.
It is not only Trent who Cafu is a big fan of at Liverpool, the dual Serie A winner with Roma and Milan gave a deal of praise to Jürgen Klopp.
The Reds are nominated for Team of the Year and Comeback of the Year (for the Barca CL Semi Final) at the Laureus Awards this evening in Berlin where the Brazilian will be in attendance.
“Liverpool had an incredible season last year and they are repeating that this time. I think they deserve their nomination.
“The comeback against Barca was unbelievable and Klopp deserves 100 per cent of the credit for how the team has now grown so well.”
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