Considering all of Arne Slot’s talent, it will undoubtedly hurt to lose Trent Alexander-Arnold for nothing in the summer. However, how did Conor Bradley, his possible replacement, perform in his team’s 2-1 Premier League victory over West Ham United?
When Alexander-Arnold’s contract at Anfield expires in the summer, he is reportedly almost certain to move to Real Madrid, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong being hailed as his long-term replacement.
Bradley, a 17-cap Northern Ireland international, has been patiently waiting for his chance on the red half of Merseyside since being promoted to senior proceedings. Slot and his group may choose to focus on him instead.
A Statistical Analysis of Bradley’s Performance Against West Ham
Of all the players, the youngster made the most tackles (4/4).
The Castlederg-born star, who was originally used by Jurgen Klopp, has made more than 50 appearances for the Reds’ first squad. Although he might not produce as much offensively as Alexander-Arnold, he has frequently received accolades for his defensive tenacity.
He was tasked with keeping players like Mohammed Kudus under wraps against West Ham until he was substituted by Jarell Quansah in the 68th minute. Before being replaced, the young player, as anticipated, saw a lot of the ball.
He recorded 66 touches in 68 minutes of play, five of which were in the West Ham box. His six passes in the last third demonstrated his forward-thinking style.
His defensive stats further demonstrate what he can provide Slot, who is considered to be among the top managers in international football, and his team moving forward: steadiness with captain Virgil van Dijk and whoever teams with the Dutchman.
In 68 minutes, Bradley was dribbled past just once and won most of his duels (6/8). In other situations, he won all four of his tackles and recorded six ball recoveries, demonstrating his explosive nature out of possession.
Bradley may fill the right-back position, saving club owners FSG millions of pounds, even though Alexander-Arnold’s impending exit worries Liverpool supporters, as shown by the numerous connections with possible replacements.
Liverpool Fans Cast Verdict on Bradley’s West Ham Display
‘So blessed to have him as our RB’
Following his display against the East Londoners, Liverpool supporters have waxed poetic over the 21-year-old. “Conor Bradley is phenomenal,” one fan wrote, keeping it brief and to the point. We are extremely fortunate to have him as our RB.
“When Conor Bradley plays, it really helps to have him at right back. A third Anfield supporter commended his connection with Mohamed Salah, while another added, “So much energy and drive with the ball while eager to defend the right-hand side.”
Another supporter used the adjective “phenomenal”: “Conor Bradley is phenomenal.” We are extremely fortunate to have him as our RB. Another stated: “He fits the system better, but he never loses the ball and will never be a better player than Trent.” We have a more stable and seamless build-up.
Another applauded Bradley’s defensive sturdiness under West Ham siege, which may have been a subtle jab at Alexander-Arnold’s lack of defensive acumen. “And [he] defends brilliantly,” they wrote. How I failed to see a defensive right-back
