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Michael Owen has shared his thoughts on whether Trent Alexander-Arnold could claim the Ballon d'Or.
The former Liverpool defender, who made the switch to Real Madrid on a free transfer during the summer but is set to play at Anfield next month, expressed his ambition to secure the prestigious accolade last year.
Speaking to Sky Sports in an interview, Alexander-Arnold stated his desire to become the first full-back to achieve this feat and be recognized as the "greatest right-back to have played football." Roberto Carlos came closest in 2002, finishing as runner-up in the Ballon d'Or, which was ultimately claimed by his compatriot Ronaldo that year. The pair had triumphed at the World Cup that summer.
The England international said: "I believe I can. I want to be the first full-back to ever do it. It's only the morning after you retire that you're able to look in the mirror and say, 'I gave it everything I got.'
"It doesn't matter how many trophies you win, or how many medals you've got. It matters what you give to the game and if you reach your full potential."
Alexander-Arnold faced mockery from numerous quarters for his remarks, particularly after acknowledging he would prioritize winning the Ballon d'Or over lifting the World Cup.
In conversation with 247Bet, Owen evaluated the Englishman's prospects of being crowned the world's finest player – an honor he himself received in 2001.
"Trent was already in a great place, so it wasn't a move to enhance his chances of winning anything," the 45-year-old claimed.
"It was more of a change of life and a new opportunity. He was already winning plenty at Liverpool. But inevitably, if Real Madrid win La Liga and the Champions League, then there's going to be a Ballon d'Or coming out of that team.
"That's just the way it goes. So you've got to be the best player in that team in that particular year. Whether or not Trent can do that playing at right-back? It would be some achievement.
"It would be pretty hard to do. But if anyone can, I suppose he can. He's got so much talent and potential for a player in that position."
Owen was among the first and few ex-Liverpool players to support Alexander-Arnold when he chose to join Real Madrid following the expiry of his Anfield contract.
Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast in September, he said: "I didn't like it (the booing Alexander-Arnold received).
"I understand it, of course. We understand it because we live it, and we've lived it all our life, and we're in and around football. But fans will never get it because they've got a badge there, and until the day they die, they will always support that badge.
"And no matter what the club do, they might do wrong. And a lot of clubs do do wrong to their players and things like that. They will never have a crossword against their club. Now, it's our career, it's our life."
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