It was a highly satisfying evening for Conor Bradley on Tuesday, who dominated Vinicius Jr in Liverpool’s win over Real Madrid, but his display has left Ian Wright and Roy Keane divided.
Arne Slot’s team secured a crucial win in the Champions League as Alexis Mac Allister scored the only goal of the game against the 15-time European champions.
The Reds were in desperate need of a win in the competition and managed to clinch three points on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s return to Anfield.
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The 27-year-old’s replacement, Conor Bradley, produced a strong performance against Los Blancos; however, Roy Keane couldn’t help but question one aspect of his game.
Conor Bradley and Vinicius Junior during Liverpool FC v Real Madrid C.F. - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Roy Keane highlights one of Conor Bradley’s key weaknesses
Keane has highlighted Bradley’s inability to provide much of a threat in the final third for Liverpool in their win over Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, Ian Wright stuck up for the Liverpool defender, praising his defensive display facing Vinicius Jr, saying: “That’s why you want to see him up against a winger like that because that then takes him to another place, he did everything last night. He was fantastic to watch.”
The Liverpool academy graduate was so good against Madrid, Jeremie Frimpong praised Bradley and how he managed to ‘lock up’ Vinicius throughout the match.
Just in the nick of time, Bradley is getting back to his best following strong displays against both Aston Villa and Madrid.
But despite being definitely sound, the former Manchester United captain wants to see more from the Northern Irish international, especially in the final third.
Speaking about the defender’s ability to get forward on Stick to Football, Keane said: “Yeah, defensively, but he lacks that, picking out that final pass.
“He got into good positions last night. You’re still looking for that,” to which Wright responded: “He did the main job, what he needed to do last night. To stop him. You know what I mean?”
But that wasn’t enough for Keane, who added: “We sit here every week talking about the modern football back. It’s not just about defending. Now, you sit here every week saying, Trent’s amazing. What’s Trent’s strength? No, I’m just on about in general. What’s Trent’s strength?”
The Arsenal legend hit back by saying: “I’m talking about with Trent. We just talked about Trent’s going forward. We’re talking about last night and Conor Bradley’s defence.”
Roy Keane unhappy with Liverpool fans booing Trent Alexander-Arnold
But for Alexander-Arnold, it was not a happy return to Anfield as his team were beaten and he was booed on to the pitch by his former supporters.
Trent was unable to start for Madrid, having only just returned from injury, but when he did come on after 82 minutes, he was greeted by a chorus of jeers.
Keane was unhappy with Liverpool fans booing the ex-Liverpool star, stating: “You don’t have to say good luck in Madrid. You don’t have to wish him luck, but to make the effort to go, I’m going to boo this kid. He’s a local lad.
“Again, Liverpool fans for some reason think they’re like, we’re kind of classy, we applaud goalkeepers years ago when they played well. No, Liverpool fans have to have a good look themselves.”