For Alexander-Arnold, The Ballon D'Or Doesn't Matter

JAKARTA - Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold is not affected by individual awards. However, the full-back was grateful for the praise given to him.

The 21-year-old right-back has played a key role in Liverpool's dominant season so far. No wonder Brazilian legend Cafu claims he could win the Ballon d'Or.

Speaking ahead of Liverpool's meeting with Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League last 16, Alexander-Arnold thanked the former Roma and AC Milan right-back. But he added that individual titles were not the focus.

"Obviously it's a huge compliment from a football legend. It's something I'm very grateful for and obviously I have to thank him for those words," he told a news conference. Launch Soccerway, February 18.

"I try to be the best player I can be. I think this is clearly a team game, so it's about the players who are around me both playing and training, the manager, the support I have around me that allows me to be the best I can be," Alexander-Arnold explained.

The Liverpool youth academy product added that praise will come when someone plays well. Vice versa. But, again, that didn't really bother him. The Ballon d'Or has traditionally been won by forwards, something Cafu suggested changing.

Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp also praised Alexander-Arnold, who has scored two goals and provided 12 assists in 35 games this season.

"Did Cafu win the Ballon d'Or? So he thinks clearly the right-back should win the Ballon d'Or?" said Klopp.

"I am at a loss for words to describe my love for Trent Alexander-Arnold. I admire his skills, he is a good boy, with character. But that's a very positive message from Cafu.

"Yes, he has great potential. If he's going to win the Ballon d'Or I don't know. Thank you Cafu for being a very good person, of course."