Trent Alexander-Arnold in top five for 2018 Golden Boy award – Kylian Mbappe not included

Posted by

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been named in the current final five-man shortlist for the 2018 Tuttosport Golden Boy award.

The Liverpool starlet remains in contention for the accolade after the original 100-man cohort of nominees was cut down over recent months.

 

His place on the condensed list of candidates is undoubtedly warranted on the back of an outstanding 2017/2018 season on both the domestic and international stage.

Having cemented a starting spot in the absence of the injured Nathaniel Clyne, Alexander-Arnold proceeded to play an inspired role in helping Liverpool towards another top four finish in the Premier League as well as a place in the Champions League final.

Still a teenager at the time, his lasting impression with the Reds was glossed by a well-deserved call-up to England’s senior World Cup squad.

The right-back’s ever-expanding résumé arguably makes him a standout contender for the prestigious honour.

SEE MORE:
Liverpool understudy won’t be leaving in January – despite heavy interest

Tuttosport report that Justin Kluivert is currently in the lead after sealing a move from Ajax to Roma at the age of 19 during the summer.

His former Ajax teammate Matthijs de Ligt is also in the running having established himself as a regular in the Dutch national team and seen his emergence draw interest from Barcelona.

Alexander-Arnold meanwhile faces competition from Vinicius Junior, who completed a move to Real Madrid from Flamengo earlier this year, as well as AC Milan forward Patrick Cutrone, who scored 18 goals in 46 appearances across all competitions last season.

Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe currently remains outside of the top five, although has been strongly tipped to make the three-man Ballon d’Or shortlist.

35 journalists from major newspapers across Europe will now decide who deserves recognition as the top-performing player under the age of 21 on the continent.

The winner will be announced on December 17.

 

More Stories Kylian Mbappe Liverpool Trent Alexander-Arnold