Shortly before Trent Alexander-Arnold sustained a knee injury earlier this month, there was considerable debate surrounding his optimal position at Liverpool, questioning whether he should be deployed at right-back or in midfield.
However, the rise of Conor Bradley in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s preferred position may have finally settled the ongoing debate. The 20-year-old Northern Ireland international has shown continuous improvement at right-back throughout the year, reaching a pinnacle with his first Liverpool goal in Wednesday’s 4-1 Premier League victory against Chelsea, where he also contributed with two assists.
Consequently, Reds’ manager Jurgen Klopp now faces a dilemma. Alexander-Arnold, once lauded by legendary player Cafu as one of the best full-backs globally, cannot be relegated to the bench. Simultaneously, it would be unfair to exclude the impressive Bradley from the starting lineup.
“He was absolutely magnificent,” remarked former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler on TNT Sports. “Every Liverpool player was brilliant, but that was a special performance. The manager will have a headache now because I’m not sure you can leave him out of the side. Anyone who went over his side, he defended unbelievably.”
“I feel like I’m in a dream.”
Just under a year ago, Conor Bradley was plying his trade in League One with Bolton. Fast forward to the present, and he has become a pivotal figure for a team leading the Premier League.
“It’s a very proud moment, something I dreamed of for a long time,” expressed Bradley to TNT Sports. “It feels like I’m in a dream. It’s unbelievable. I just couldn’t believe it went in. I didn’t know what to do. I went over to the corner and did a knee slide. It was brilliant.”
Reflecting on his performances in the absence of the injured Alexander-Arnold, Bradley remarked, “I just had to try to take my chance. I feel I’ve done pretty well.”
The unexpected news of Jurgen Klopp’s decision to leave the club at the end of the season has fueled Bradley and his teammates with motivation for the second half of the season, aiming to secure multiple trophies.
Klopp praised Bradley, saying, “What a wonderful kid he is. Outstanding finish, the whole game, the contribution, the involvement. It’s a job to play against [Raheem] Sterling, that’s not easy. I’m really happy for him. He’s a very serious young man, and that was pretty special, I have to say. We saw in pre-season. He is really doing well. A few weeks ago when I was on holiday, a few Bolton fans asked if they could have Bradley back, but it’s too late!”
How impressive has Bradley’s performance been?
After Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury confirmation, Conor Bradley seamlessly entered the Liverpool starting XI for the League Cup fixture against Fulham on January 10, contributing significantly as Liverpool secured a 2-1 victory.
In his Premier League debut against Bournemouth on January 21, Bradley showcased his prowess by not only securing an assist but also playing a pivotal role in Liverpool’s commanding 4-0 win. This stellar performance set the stage for Bradley’s subsequent standout display, which included a goal and two more assists in the clash against Chelsea.
Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton, commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, cautiously praised Bradley, stating, “We don’t want to go too early on Conor Bradley, but when someone comes into a team of Liverpool’s stature, then of course there are always comparisons.” Sutton commended Bradley’s defensive solidity, impressive composure in scoring a goal, and mature playing style. He emphasized Bradley’s efficiency in passing, physical prowess, and ball-handling skills, drawing parallels with the high standards set by Liverpool players.
Former Scotland international Ally McCoist, providing co-commentary for TNT Sports, praised Conor Bradley as “a breath of fresh air” since joining the Liverpool side. McCoist emphasized the admiration of Liverpool fans for Bradley’s contributions, hailing Jurgen Klopp’s decision to prioritize Bradley and Joe Gomez over Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson.
“It is a good message that Jurgen Klopp has stuck with Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez over Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson,” McCoist noted. He acknowledged Klopp’s stance of making players work their way back into the lineup, highlighting the outstanding performances of Bradley and Gomez.
Rio Ferdinand, former Manchester United and England defender, went a step further, describing Bradley as “phenomenal.” Speaking on TNT Sports, Ferdinand praised Bradley’s exceptional performance in the first half, highlighting his defensive prowess and a fabulous finish in scoring from a challenging position.
As Klopp embarks on his farewell tour with Liverpool, marked by a 5-2 FA Cup win against Norwich and a commanding victory over Chelsea, decisions loom regarding the emergence of Bradley and the impending return of Alexander-Arnold. The manager faces substantial choices as he seeks to conclude his tenure with additional silverware. The impressive form of Bradley and the reintegration of Alexander-Arnold into the squad will undoubtedly be pivotal considerations for Klopp.