Conor Bradley had one of his best games in a Liverpool shirt against Real Madrid.
The Champions League really does throw up some huge fixtures and Tuesday night was no different when the Reds beat Madrid 1-0.
This was one of, if not their best, performance so far this season, with every player stepping up for the big occasion.
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One star who stood head and shoulders above the rest, though, was the right-back Bradley, with the Northern Irishman excellent from start to finish.
Choosing to have one of the best games of his career on the night of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s homecoming could not have been any better either, and despite his plaudits, ex-Red Steven Caulker said the defender did something that is not seen very often.
Conor Bradley of Liverpool during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Anfield.
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Conor Bradley put in a proper defensive display
There has never been any doubting Bradley’s potential, he has just had a few injury issues that affect his consistency.
However, he has had a good run of games under his belt now and his performance against Madrid was the cherry on top of the cake, with the defender outstanding both offensively and defensively.
Due to the demands on full-backs nowadays, though, it can be the latter that is sometimes neglected, but Caulker believes that Bradley put on a ‘proper defensive display’.
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“Both teams were filled with superstars, but the man who stole the show, in my opinion, was Conor Bradley,” he said on his LinkedIn.
“At just 22 years of age, he was absolutely incredible last night. In an era where full-backs are praised for their attacking ability, Conor reminded me what a proper defensive display looks like.
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“Defending 1v1s, blocking crosses, winning headers, and getting his arm across to see the ball out of play – a top performance in front of a rocking Anfield!”
Conor Bradley has shown why he should be the first-choice right-back
With Jeremie Frimpong arriving, competition for the right-back spot has only increased, but his injury had meant Bradley has only been able to boost his chances of nailing down the spot.
He has done his chances of doing this no harm at all either, with this performance alone so good that he should probably start almost every game possible.
He quite literally back-pocketed one of the best wingers in the world, with Vinicius Jr visibly frustrated by how little he could do.
He also showed a good level of threat in attack, showing how he got the balance spot on, something Reds fans will hope he takes into the Man City game on Sunday.