Conor Bradley has been handed a huge opportunity at Liverpool this season after being given a fairly free run at becoming the Reds’ first-choice right-back.
The Northern Irishman has been a fantastic back-up over the past two seasons, and after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s exit he looked ready to step up.
Jeremie Frimpong arrived to put pressure on Bradley‘s place in the starting XI, but after the Dutchman missed a chunk of the calendar with successive hamstring problems, the Liverpool academy graduate had a big chance to stamp his authority.
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Change my mind: Jeremie Frimpong’s display was the only positive vs Leeds
Jeremie Frimpong pictured in action during Liverpool's Premier League match against Leeds United at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC
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Unfortunately, Bradley has not really been able to do that. There have been the usual fitness issues of his own, while a lack of discipline in regards to picking up needless yellow cards has also hampered him.
On Thursday, Bradley and Frimpong started together as Liverpool limped to a turgid draw with Leeds at Anfield. While Frimpong was a constant threat at right wing, Bradley struggled to get going behind him. After watching the 22-year-old frustrate time after time, former Reds striker Michael Owen took aim.
Michael Owen not impressed by Conor Bradley
Given the lack of options Arne Slot currently has all over the pitch, Bradley may well continue to keep his place at right-back.
But according to Owen, that will not be due to the quality of his performances right now.
Conor Bradley controls the ball under pressure from Leeds United players during Liverpool's Premier League match at Anfield.
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images
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Commenting on Liverpool‘s draw with Leeds for Premier League Productions, Owen called out several of Slot’s players, while claiming Bradley’s display was one of the worst he’s seen from the youngster.
“I did think late on in the game they weren’t playing wide enough,” said the pundit. “I mean Chiesa came on and he didn’t really know where he was standing. Gakpo came on but so did Ngumoha and they were sort of tripping over each other themselves standing in the same position.
“Conor Bradley is normally an attacking threat down the right side. I thought that was one of his worst games.”
Who was the most disappointing performer against Leeds?
Shocking display all round
Florian Wirtz during Liverpool v Leeds United - Premier League
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
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Bradley is not good enough to be a Liverpool starter
It can sometimes be difficult to assess exactly how Bradley is doing at Liverpool. Rightly or wrongly, the Northern Ireland international will always be compared with Alexander-Arnold.
While he is clearly not Trent, Bradley has been effective in his own way since coming into the first team.
However, having been given the keys to the right of the defence, it has become clear that he is either not ready or will never be good enough to be a regular starter for Liverpool.
There are some really positive parts to his game including his pace, his direct approach and his tackling ability. But that is too often spliced with poor decision making both on the ball and when facing up opponents.
Bradley is still young and if he can iron out the kinks in his game he could still have a big future at Liverpool. Unless that improvement happens over the next six months or so, though, he could be destined for life as a Reds’ back-up.
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