Liverpool youngster Trent Alexander-Arnold has been nominated for the 2018 Golden Boy award.
Alexander-Arnold has made the 40 player shortlist after his performances during his breakthrough campaign and because of the strength of his start to the 2018/2019 season.
It’s no mean feat keeping Nathaniel Clyne out of the first team squad – a man who has been an important part of the Reds since arriving from Southampton in 2015.
But Alexander-Arnold has just gone from strength to strength and is now a vital part of Jurgen Klopp’s machine. The teenager can attack, defend and hits a mean free-kick as well – but most importantly he’s one of our own.
Congrats THE GREAT ALEXANDER
— Puneet Sharma (@Coderedop) October 1, 2018
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Italian publication Tuttosport established the award in 2003, and it’s handed out every year to the best U21 player in Europe. The list will be cut down to 20 in November, before the winner is chosen in December.
The right-back will be competing with the very best in the continent for the prize, and Kylian Mbappe will be looking to cement his place as one of the best teenagers ever by winning the Golden Boy for two years in a row.
Other Englishmen included in the shortlist are Phil Foden, who has struggled to break through with Manchester City this season but did win the Golden Ball for his efforts at the U17 World Cup. Everton skipper Tom Davies is also included on the list.
The winner is decided by a panel of 30 journalists from across Europe. Just making the cut is a tremendous achievement by Alexander-Arnold, who should be included in the group who make it to the final judging.
He’s already made 53 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool, scoring three goals and creating five assists in the process.
With his potential, love for the club and age, there is no reason why Alexander-Arnold can’t be the new Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard combined.