Trent Alexander-Arnold might have been left wincing as he watched England’s second game under Thomas Tuchel - and not just because of his current injury issue.
The Liverpool vice-captain missed out on Tuchel’s first squad after picking up an ankle problem during the Reds’ Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Although he is expected to return before the end of the season, Alexander-Arnold may nevertheless be approaching the end of his time at Anfield.
Like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, his contract expires in the summer, although speculation suggests that he might already have his future decided. A move to Real Madrid has long been touted, and recent reports have suggested it’s already a done deal.
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For now, Alexander-Arnold remains a Liverpool player, although many fans have already given up hope that he will sign a new contract. Part of the reason behind a move to Spain may well lie in his Ballon d’Or dreams.
The 26-year-old has made his ambition to win the biggest individual honor in soccer clear, having even ranked it higher than becoming Liverpool captain or winning another Champions League title.
"Winning a World Cup with England - that would be immense and change the game, but I'd say win a Ballon d'Or, because I believe I can. I want to be the first full-back to ever do it,” he told Sky Sports back in October. "I believe it. Some people may call me deluded, but I believe I can."
Those dreams though may have just taken a blow after England’s latest outing. Without Alexander-Arnold, Reece James was given the nod to start at right-back for the Three Lions against Latvia, and he made the most of his first start in over two years.
The Chelsea right-back opened the scoring at Wembley, doing his own hopes of becoming England’s first-choice right-back no harm whatsoever, and potentially damaging Alexander-Arnold’s dreams in the process.
Although many Liverpool fans won’t care too much about England, Alexander-Arnold will if he wants to win a Ballon d’Or. Moving to Madrid may well improve his chances of winning the prize, but as the last year has proved, it may take more than just success at the Bernabeu.
Despite Vinicius Jr winning La Liga and the Champions League last season with Los Blancos, that wasn’t enough to earn him the Ballon d’Or, with Manchester City’s Rodri instead scooping the prize, thanks in large part to Spain’s triumph at Euro 2024. That decision of course led to Real skipping the ceremony, which may have also damaged Alexander-Arnold’s chances in the future.
Speaking about what legacy he wants to leave when he retires, the Liverpool academy graduate said: "A legend of football, someone who changed the game. That is the main thing that I have - 'don't play the game; change the game'. I want that legacy of being the greatest right-back to have played football. I have got to reach for the stars and that's where I believe my ceiling can go."
