Cafu has doubled down on his theory surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold and claimed he doesn't understand why the Liverpool star isn't playing for England at the World Cup.
Kieran Trippier has got the nod for the Three Lions in their opening two matches at the tournament, with the Newcastle right-back starting the games against Iran and USA. He is expected to keep his place for the all-important clash against Wales, although Kyle Walker is pushing for his first appearance of the competition so far.
Alexander-Arnold has been left on the bench for both of England's matches, with the 24-year-old not playing a minute at the World Cup thus far. Gary Neville expressed his disappointment to see the Liverpool-born defender as an unused substitute as England failed to break down the United States in Doha on Friday evening.
Meanwhile, Cafu has also joined in on the Alexander-Arnold debate and believes he should in the starting XI due to the quality he has going forward. He also compared the situation to that of Roberto Carlos, who maybe wasn't the best defender but was lethal in those attacking areas.
"I don't understand why. He has everything: quality, dribbling, pace, but it's always the same story, they say you are not defensive enough and you remain out," Cafu told Football Italia.
"Somebody used to say the same about Roberto Carlos and me, but I think we won something. Unfortunately, full-backs are too robotic these days, they get the ball, pass it, and run, I don't see movements without the ball and no one-two passes."
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This isn't the first time Cafu has praised Alexander-Arnold, with the Brazil legend once admitting there is no reason why he can't win the Ballon d'Or one day due to his capabilities in possession. Cafu also said back in 2020 that Alexander-Arnold would be a star in Qatar, something he is looking on course not to achieve.
"I can see the similarities," he told the Daily Mail of the Liverpool star and himself. "He's not afraid to attack, defends well, good passer, hits a great free-kick. He will be a star at the next World Cup.
"He can take the position of right back to another level. I think we've started changing the narrative, the way people view full backs.
"It's not just the goalscorer who should be the best player in the world. It is totally wrong that some great players never won the Ballon d'Or because of their position. Nowadays, full backs should be seen as the main protagonists in the game."
Alexander-Arnold has endured a below-par season to date, with the player registering just one goal and two assists for the Reds in 13 Premier League appearances. He has also been criticised for his defensive work as Liverpool currently sit sixth in the table, winning just six of their first 14 league outings so far.
