by Conor Bradley is four Premier League games into his Liverpool career but Sunday’s Carabao Cup final opponents Chelsea already know the right-back is a game-changer. In their league game last month, the Northern Ireland international created two goals and scored another in a stunning win to announce his arrival on the scene.
Ben Chilwell, his other number on the night, endured a torrid 45 minutes as he quickly learned that despite Bradley’s inexperience, he is a fearless talent. Whenever Liverpool went forward the 20-year-old seemed to have most of the sideline to himself and wasn’t afraid to use it to his advantage, surging forward with the ball at his feet to create opportunities.
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For the most part, being a young right-back in Liverpool’s academy must feel like a relentless means of chasing a dream. Bradley hasn’t necessarily seen his path to the first team, but with a huge Trent Alexander-Arnold-shaped hurdle for him to navigate. Those with less talent or confidence may not have risen to the challenge of England’s competition but Bradley has done that and more. His form could speed up a permanent move into midfield for Alexander-Arnold, an exciting prospect for Liverpool.
“Conor has shown he can do it at the highest level,” says Andy Robertson. “There’s a lot of hype around him but now he’s shown he can do it every week. Before every game he plays and during training, that’s what I tell him – it’s good to be the new kid on the block and stuff like that, but with that comes expectation. He handled it so unbelievably well.”
It has been two and a half years since he started playing for Liverpool in the League Cup final against Norwich but Bradley has used the time well to mature as an integral part of the squad. He enjoyed an impressive season on loan at League One Bolton, helping them reach the play-offs and win the EFL Trophy in front of 80,000 people, making him no stranger to Wembley. He won the affection of his colleagues and supporters, picking up the players’ player of the year and the fans’ equivalent at the club’s awards ceremony.
Thanks to Bradley’s impressive form in the third tier, a host of clubs wanted to offer him further education but Klopp was keen to keep him. His faith was repaid during pre-season when Bradley showed he was ready for the step up but injury meant he was unavailable until the end of November. A handful of cup appearances were more than enough to convince Klopp that Bradley was ready for the Premier League – he made his debut against Bournemouth last month and hasn’t looked back. “He’s a hard worker, he’s a good lad, he listens to all the other lads and takes everything in his stride,” says Robertson. “He’s the perfect young player, always in the gym working hard and working hard on the training ground. I believe he’s going to have an incredible career, but from my experience it’s about finding consistency.”
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Bradley’s mention is enough to put a smile on Klopp’s face as he is finally allowed to progress in a team challenging for four trophies. Often before talking about a player’s amazing ability, the first thing discussed is his attitude, which drives his desire for self-improvement. Since Bradley moved into the right side of defence, Liverpool’s ground man has had to work a little harder to keep the grass green on the flanks as the full back is constantly moving up and down.
Hailing from Red Castle, the Northern Ireland international is part of a close-knit family. They were regulars at Bolton games last season and made the trip to Wembley to see him lift the EFL Cup. Sadly, in the midst of his initial spell at Liverpool, Bradley’s father passed away at the start of the month. He was given time off while he was crying and it is a great credit to him that he managed to maintain focus during an extremely difficult period in the young man’s life.
Injuries to his teammates offered Bradley his chance in the first team but he ensured Liverpool did not lose their main man, helping them to eight wins and one draw in their last nine games. “With what’s happened in the last few weeks, suddenly he’s one of the most experienced boys in the squad. That’s how quickly it can change,” says Robertson.
Considering that Klopp announced his impending departure based on a lack of energy, Bradley is adding to the smiles and enthusiasm of German football when given the chance. It’s not just the manager who needs a restart with Liverpool’s injury problems and hectic schedule. Bradley’s relentless nature will inspire his more senior colleagues. It may be a coincidence but Liverpool have scored four goals in every Premier League game in which he has appeared.
It’s been 11 months since Bradley was last at Wembley and plenty has changed for the defender but he is the same fearless goalkeeper who will not be intimidated by the occasion. He’s been here before and he’ll be back again.
