The Times reporter Paul Joyce revealed that Liverpool are concerned Conor Bradley could miss critical games after his Real Madrid heroics. Bradley showcased immense defensive and attacking prowess, keeping Kylian Mbappe silent while delivering a crucial assist for Liverpool.
Liverpool conquered their bitter European rivals after a series of bad Champions League results against them in the last decade. The Reds dominated the game against Los Blancos in a 2-0 victory as Bradley played until the 87th minute.
The Irish fullback limped off after earning a substitution as Joe Gomez shored up the defence in the end. The 21-year-old played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s victory, stepping up impressively in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s absence.
Fans and pundits heaped praise on Bradley, highlighting his composure and adaptability under pressure. Bradley demonstrated his growing stature, impressing the Anfield crowd and solidifying his importance to Arne Slot’s tactical setup.
Bradley captained Northern Ireland during the October international break, signalling trust from his national team staff at just 21. This achievement reflects his rapid development and maturity, which stems from his academic journey at Liverpool.
Promoted under legendary manager Jurgen Klopp, Bradley thrived in the latter stages of last season, gaining invaluable first-team experience. His development aligns perfectly with Slot’s demands for fullbacks who excel in different tactical variations and game phases.
ALL the angles of Conor Bradley’s stunning recovery tackle on Kylian Mbappe pic.twitter.com/taJ4Cmp8MQ
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 28, 2024
Bradley’s versatility in playing inverted roles or bombing down the byline adds significant depth to Liverpool’s tactical options. He combines defensive solidity with offensive contributions, giving the team balance during transitions and high-pressure situations. Against Real, Bradley perfectly exemplified this balance with his defensive resilience and attacking creativity.
Bradley’s impressive stats vs Real Madrid and that first-half viral moment
According to Sofascore, Bradley enjoyed 70 touches with 84% passing accuracy against Los Blancos, underlining his influence in possession. He delivered one key pass and two crosses during the game, including an assist for the opening Liverpool goal.
Defensively, Bradley registered one clearance, four tackles, and a last-man tackle, showcasing his constant input to nullify Madrid’s attack. Bradley won seven of his 12 ground duels and maintained a 100% success rate in aerial duels.
The heatmap and Sofascore rating of Liverpool star Conor Bradley during the 2-0 victory over Real Madrid. (Credit: Sofascore)
The heatmap and Sofascore rating of Liverpool star Conor Bradley during the 2-0 victory over Real Madrid. (Credit: Sofascore)
The Northern Ireland international also forced three fouls from the opposition players, frustrating the visitors with his intelligent body movements. Bradley’s first-half crunching tackle on Mbappe set the tone, earning thunderous applause from an electrified Anfield crowd.
The tackle quickly went viral on social media, with fans celebrating Bradley’s fearless and commanding display. The media raved praise on Liverpool’s academy kid who pocketed the World Cup-winning forward Mbappe, the highest-earning footballer in Europe.
Fitness concerns loom over Bradley’s availability
Writing in his column for the Times, Joyce revealed that Liverpool are concerned over the potential absence of Bradley. The Reds will face Manchester City on Sunday in the Premier League title race-shaping clash at Anfield.
Only two defenders under the age of 21 have contributed to three goals in a single Premier League match…
You guessed it, those two players are Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley pic.twitter.com/TJcpanMZ95
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 1, 2024
However, the congested fixture period will not stop there as they face numerous games until next year. While Alexander-Arnold has returned from his injury, Liverpool would prefer having both players available for a healthy rotation policy.
The Reds are currently at the top of the Premier League and the Champions League table after their impressive start. Furthermore, they have secured a quarter-final spot in the Carabao Cup, making sure that they are active in all competitions. Liverpool needs the strength of their full squad to maintain winning consistency as endless adversities and possibilities await them.
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Rest assured, Bradley has made Klopp proud with his constant development and is making Slot proud by following the instructions. The 21-year-old’s tactical intelligence, adaptability, and commitment have earned trust from the coaching staff and admiration from supporters.
Bradley’s Real heroics epitomize his potential and importance to Liverpool’s current and future aspirations. His commanding performance against one of Europe’s strongest teams showcases his ability to excel at the highest level. Fans will eagerly await his return, knowing his contributions could define Liverpool’s success this season.