Alexander-Arnold Named to Kopa Trophy Shortlist

After helping his team not concede against the title holders on his 20th birthday, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s celebrations continued into Monday when he was named to France Football Magazine’s 10-player shortlist for their first ever Kopa Award, honoring players under 21-years-old.

Alexander-Arnold broke into Klopp’s first team last season due to an injury to right-back Nathaniel Clyne. His impressive performances cemented him in Klopp’s back line and also earned him a call-up to the England NT. This led to him traveling to Russia with the Three Lions and representing his country in the World Cup.

While Alexander-Arnold is number one in my heart, he has some serious competition by way of Kylian Mbappe and Gianluigi Donnarumma, among others.

Alexander-Arnold is the only player to represent the Premier League and England on the list.

The Kopa Award 10-player shortlist nominees are:

Trent Alexander-Arnold (England/Liverpool), Houssem Aouar (France/Lyon), Patrick Cutrone (Italy/AC Milan), Ritsu Doan (Japan/Groningen), Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy/AC Milan), Amadou Haidara (Mali/Red Bull Salzburg), Justin Kluivert (Netherlands/AS Roma), Kylian Mbappe (France/Paris Saint-Germain), Christian Pulisic (USA/Borussia Dortmund), Rodrygo (Brazil/Santos).