Like it or not, the narrative a player builds throughout the season often shapes how high or low they finish in the Ballon d’Or. Journalists vote, and a clear story gives them something concrete to highlight. Looking at this year’s top five, each had one: - Kane went from a career without major trophies to back-to-back league titles while ranking among the world’s best strikers. - Mbappé was the leading scorer in nearly every competition he entered and collected multiple Golden Boots. - Yamal stood out as one of the most entertaining players, contributed goals, and ended the season with both the league and World Cup titles. - Rodri was central to Spain’s World Cup win, reinforcing why he had previously been recognised with the award. - Messi, at 39 in what was framed as his final World Cup, reached the final, finished as the tournament’s top scorer, and did so after the personal loss of his father. Those storylines made their cases easy to write about. Raphinha and Olise had strong seasons, but neither developed a similarly clear, compelling narrative that journalists could readily carry into the voting discussion.

For me Xabi Alonso does not need to change he style of play, all he needs to start doing better is reading the game and making early substitutions. I don't care how we play at the moment, just win games and move onto the next.

These are Liverpool's upcoming matches before the international break. Can iraola afford to rotate his squad for today's game against Chelsea considering they have Arsenal next?