Liverpool were 2-0 victors against Real Madrid last night at Anfield, yet for many fans, the night belonged to Conor Bradley.
The 21-year-old right-back was selected by Arne Slot with Trent Alexander-Arnold starting on the bench having returned from injury, with Bradley lining up for what will go down as the biggest and best game in the defender’s young career.
Steve McManaman lauded Bradley after a great tackle on Kylian Mbappe as the Northern Ireland international made the Madrid superstar look ordinary, with Liverpool fans also amazed with what they saw from the youngster.
And Danny Murphy has shared what impressed him most about Bradley against Madrid.
Liverpool's Conor Bradley during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 match between Liverpool FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Anfield on Oc...
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Bradley tipped for ‘great future’ after Liverpool display vs Real Madrid
Speaking on Match of the Day, the pundit was full of praise for Bradley’s performance against Madrid, with Murphy predicting the 21-year-old to have a ‘great future’ after impressing against the reigning UEFA Champions League holders.
Murphy said: “When you see a young player playing arguably the biggest game of his career against one of the best players in Europe in such a huge occasion and a big pressured atmosphere and perform like that, it’s incredible really. I think he’s got a great future.”
Although Bradley ended the game for Liverpool with a hamstring injury, the 21-year-old Northern Irish defender will be buzzing with how he performed for the Reds at Anfield, with the fullback keeping Mbappe quiet all night.
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Indeed, Bradley gave Liverpool fans reason to believe that he could be the long-term replacement for Alexander-Arnold, and the fullback could have a huge future on Merseyside if next season he is selected by Slot to succeed the England international.
Conor Bradley of Liverpool FC with the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid CF...
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Bradley has made himself the clear favourite to replace Alexander-Arnold
Few would have predicted Bradley to perform as well as he did last night for Liverpool, with the defender shutting down one of the best players in world football with ease as well as picking up an assist for Alexis Mac Allister’s opening goal.
And heading into 2025 with Alexander-Arnold likely to join Madrid, Bradley showed that he is the clear favourite to replace the 26-year-old Liverpool superstar at right-back, with Slot getting the best out of the defender already.
As well as Bradley saving Liverpool millions, the fullback is still one of the youngest members of the senior Liverpool squad at 21-years-old, and the defender is nowhere near close to reaching his full potential just yet.
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