5 defenders who could win the Ballon d'Or award in the future

Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold
Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold

#3 Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)

Liverpool v Crystal Palace - Premier League
Liverpool v Crystal Palace - Premier League

Trent Alexander-Arnold is arguably the best attacking full-back in the world right now. The Liverpool youngster can whip in beauties from the right-wing and his delivery has already been compared to that of David Beckham.

Trent played a pivotal role in Liverpool's UEFA Champions League triumph in the 2018-19 season. He was also a standout performer for Jurgen Klopp's men as they won the league title for the first time in the Premier League era in the 2019-20 campaign.

In 45 appearances across all competitions in the 2020-21 season, the 22-year-old scored two goals and provided nine assists. And that's despite a major dip in form which was facilitated by the absence of Liverpool's reliable centre-back duo. But he was able to revive his season in the closing stages.

Trent was one of Liverpool's stars as they embarked on a resurgent run to cop Champions League qualification. He has his entire career ahead of him and can improve plenty by the time he hits his peak. If there is an attacking full-back who has the potential to be a Ballon d'Or winner, then it is Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold.

#2 Matthijs De Ligt (Juventus)

Atalanta BC v Juventus - TIMVISION Cup Final
Atalanta BC v Juventus - TIMVISION Cup Final

Matthijs De Ligt first turned heads captaining Ajax in their exhilarating run to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League in the 2018-19 season. De Ligt was given the Golden Boy Award in 2018 and he was already a world-class footballer as a teenager.

De Ligt was subsequently signed by Juventus on a deal worth around €75 million. However, that move hasn't exactly worked out to his liking as he plays second fiddle to the experienced centre-back duo of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci.

The Dutchman used to play as an attacking midfielder in his youth and the attributes he added to his arsenal along the way have certainly helped him. He has great technique and is just as adept at playing the ball out from the back as he is at holding his ground while defending.

De Ligt is also two-footed and has great leadership skills which helps him command the backline, and this makes him a quality presence at the back. He is tipped to go on to win major trophies for both club and country and could definitely be a Ballon d'Or contender in the future if he continues to improve.

#1 Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Liverpool FC v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League
Liverpool FC v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League

Liverpool broke the bank and broke their transfer record to sign Virgil van Dijk from Southampton in January 2018. He has proven to be worth every bit of £75 million the Merseysiders paid to secure his services. Van Dijk made Liverpool a complete team and was arguably the standout performer in their Champions League triumph in the 2018-19 season.

He was picked as the PFA Players' Player of the Year and the Premier League Player of the Year at the end of the 2018-19 season. Van Dijk was also chosen as the UEFA Men's Player of the Year in 2018-19.

He is also the best centre-back in the world and is blessed with pace, strength, endurance and incredible aerial ability. The former Southampton man is the most complete defender the Premier League has seen in recent times.

The Dutchman was sidelined for the majority of the 2020-21 season and Liverpool's struggles in his absence are a testament to Van Dijk's abilities. Now that he is all set to return, Liverpool will be back to their best.

Van Dijk finished second in the Ballon d'Or race in 2019. Liverpool are one of the best sides in Europe. If they can continue to challenge for and win top honours, Van Dijk could come into contention for the Ballon d'Or again.

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