Hamann: Alexander-Arnold’s Ballon d’Or Dreams May Remain Just That, Even at Real Madrid
Former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann has voiced skepticism about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s chances of winning the coveted Ballon d’Or award. According to Hamann, even a high-profile transfer to Real Madrid might not be enough to elevate the Liverpool right-back to football’s most prestigious individual accolade.
Hamann’s comments come amidst swirling rumors linking Alexander-Arnold with a move to the Spanish giants. Real Madrid has reportedly been tracking the defender for some time, particularly with his Liverpool contract nearing its end.
While acknowledging that a move to Real Madrid would undoubtedly raise Alexander-Arnold’s profile and place him in consistent contention for the Champions League title, Hamann remains unconvinced about his Ballon d’Or prospects.
Hamann, speaking to CardPlayer.com (via DAZN), stated:
“I do not know how Trent Alexander-Arnold could win the Ballon d’Or as a right-back. Fabio Cannavaro won it as a defender but it’s near enough impossible. Joining Real Madrid won’t harm his chances, he’ll be competing to win the Champions League every year, the spotlight will be on him more. But if winning the Ballon d’Or is the reason that he wants to join Real Madrid, he should forget it and stay at Liverpool.”
Here’s a breakdown of Hamann’s perspective:
- Position Matters: Hamann highlights the inherent difficulty for defenders, especially right-backs, to win the Ballon d’Or. He points out that while Fabio Cannavaro achieved this feat, it’s exceptionally rare.
- Real Madrid Boost, but Not a Guarantee: While acknowledging that a Real Madrid move would increase Alexander-Arnold’s visibility and opportunities for major trophies like the Champions League, Hamann suggests it’s still not a surefire path to Ballon d’Or glory, especially for a defender.
- Focus on Football, Not Individual Awards: Hamann essentially advises Alexander-Arnold that if his primary motivation for a Real Madrid transfer is solely to win the Ballon d’Or, he might be better off staying at Liverpool. This implies that the move should be driven by footballing reasons rather than individual accolades.
Alexander-Arnold has been a Liverpool stalwart, progressing through their youth ranks and making his senior debut in 2016. His contributions to the Merseyside club are undeniable, boasting an impressive record of 22 goals and 87 assists in 349 appearances across all competitions.
“Liverpool Fans Deserve Transparency” – Hamann on Alexander-Arnold’s Future
In addition to his Ballon d’Or assessment, Hamann also emphasized the importance of transparency regarding Alexander-Arnold’s future at Liverpool. He believes Liverpool supporters have the right to know where the defender stands, especially with his contract situation and Real Madrid’s persistent interest.
Hamann, in his conversation with Card Player (via Liverpool.com), added:
“I thought the contract wasn’t spoken about in public because Liverpool was winning games, but now they are in a very strong position to win the league and I think something will be said after the international break.
“If a decision has been made, I think the fans deserve to know. They could also then give him a great send off during the final nine games of the season in a swansong. I think the fans deserve to know if a decision has officially been made, maybe that hasn’t been the case yet, but the club are running out of time.”
Hamann’s points on the contract situation include:
- Timing is Key: With Liverpool’s strong position in the league, Hamann believes now is the opportune moment to address Alexander-Arnold’s contract publicly.
- Fan Entitlement: He argues that Liverpool fans are entitled to clarity about a key player’s future, especially one who has come through the academy and become a central figure.
- Potential Farewell: If Alexander-Arnold is indeed departing, Hamann suggests that transparency would allow fans to give him a proper “swansong” or farewell during the remaining games of the season.
- Clock is Ticking: Hamann stresses that time is running out for Liverpool to resolve the contract situation and communicate the outcome to the fans.
Real Madrid’s interest in Alexander-Arnold is well-documented, with reports of a January bid already rejected by Liverpool. The speculation continues to fuel debate about the defender’s long-term future and whether a move to the Spanish capital is truly on the horizon.
What do you think of Hamann’s assessment? Can Trent Alexander-Arnold win the Ballon d’Or, and would a Real Madrid move increase his chances? Share your thoughts in the comments below!