Liverpool defender Conor Bradley has been praised again following his display against Real Madrid
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Liverpool defender Conor Bradley with head coach Arne Slot.
Conor Bradley has been praised by former coach Jim Magilton.
(Image: Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Former Northern Ireland manager Jim Magilton has heaped praise on Liverpool defender Conor Bradley. The 55-year-old becomes the latest to laud the Reds full-back after a standout performance against Real Madrid.
The Northern Irishman has deputised for Trent Alexander-Arnold following an injury in Liverpool's 2-0 win over Aston Villa at the beginning of November. Bradley added Los Blancos star Kylian Mbappe to rivals that he has nullified, as well as his firm challenge on the Frenchman in the first-half.
The 21-year-old almost found himself on the scoresheet during the 2-0 triumph over the Champions League holders but his header was well saved by Thibaut Courtois. However, he instead provided an assist for Alexis Mac Allister to break the deadlock at Anfield.
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Magilton played a role in Bradley's development when he was the IFA Academy Director for seven years until 2020. The 55-year-old sang the praises of his fellow countryman, playing in one of the toughest positions in the Liverpool squad.
"You can’t take your eyes off him," he told the Irish News. "What summed up Conor Bradley on Wednesday night was the tackle, obviously, because it sent out a message.
"He’s playing right back, in arguably the most difficult position to fill at Liverpool, with zero fear. I mean no fear. He’s making runs and you’re asking, ‘Conor, where are you going?’
"He’s making runs into the box, he’s on the edge of the 18-yard line with a fantastic one-touch ball to Mac Allister, who then scores the most important goal if you like, the first goal. I was so proud to see a young player from Northern Ireland do what he did and play in the manner in which he did, with an unbelievable freedom.
"Conor’s enthusiasm and appetite for the game, that was Conor Bradley aged 10 or 11 when I first saw him. If young players from Northern Ireland want to go and achieve what he has just achieved, then it’s about appetite, attitude, enthusiasm, because he has that in abundance.
"I just hope it goes from strength to strength, and I’m sure it will."