Conor Bradley proved Troy Deeney completely wrong after the performance he put in for Liverpool during their Champions League clash against Real Madrid.
The tie was held at Anfield with the Reds dominating most of the game.
In the end, Alexis Mac Allister’s headed goal was enough to earn Liverpool all three points, with his shot the only one to squeeze past Thibaut Courtois.
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Although most of Liverpool’s first-team squad played well, some members of Slot’s starting XI put in exceptional performances, with Bradley being one of them.
Conor Bradley of Liverpool celebrates with Arne Slot manager / head coach of Liverpool at full time following the 1-0 victory during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Anfield
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Most, including Deeney, thought that he wouldn’t be able to handle being the Reds’ first-choice right-back, but he’s managed to prove them wrong in just one game.
Conor Bradley stepped up for Liverpool against Vinicius Junior, proving Troy Deeney wrong
Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong have been fighting to become Liverpool’s first-choice right-back since the 2025-26 season kicked off.
The Northern Irishman is the one who seems to have won this battle the most, thanks to the Dutchman’s recent injuries, but after his performance against Real, even if Frimpong was fit, he wouldn’t have a chance of starting.
Bradley kept Vinicius Junior in his back pocket for the entirety of the game, with the Brazilian even resorting to diving to try and get a penalty or a free-kick.
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No matter what the Real Madrid attacker did, Bradley always had an answer, with Deeney now admitting that he was wrong about the right-back.
“I said I don’t see how Conor Bradley can stop Vinicius Junior based on how he’s been playing. Which is fair, and I got [that] absolutely wrong,” he said on The Football Exchange Podcast.
“Secondly, though, I will pose this question and ask Jamie Carragher this. Why could those Liverpool players like Conor Bradley get up for that game but you haven’t for the other seven before?”
Jeremie Frimpong will have a lot of making up to do if he wants to earn a place in Liverpool’s starting XI
Frimpong’s performances for Bayer Leverkusen last season were special.
The right-back played a more advanced role with Xabi Alonso’s men and acted more like a right-midfielder than a full-back.
Despite this, the Reds still saw plenty of potential in him, with the club likely thinking he could become their next Trent Alexander-Arnold, especially with his attacking prowess.
Jeremie Frimpong of Liverpool FC during the UEFA Champions League match between Galatasaray v Liverpool at the Rams Park on September 30.
Photo by Gerrit van Keulen/Soccrates/Getty Images
However, in reality, it’s Bradley who’s likely to be their next Alexander-Arnold.
The right-back was his understudy for many years, and if Frimpong wants to make his way back into the Reds’ starting XI, he’s going to have to prove his worth.
If Bradley continues this current run of form and only gets better before Frimpong’s return from injury, he’s going to have a massive task on his hands if he wants to earn any sort of playing time.