Liverpool’s quest to find a suitable understudy for the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold has led them to experiment with several players in the right-back role. Between Alexander-Arnold’s hamstring injury in early September and his return to the Premier League lineup against Brighton, the Reds tested three different players in that position. Joe Gomez, Curtis Jones, and Stefan Bajčetić all took their turn, but none appeared entirely comfortable with the demands of replicating Alexander-Arnold’s unique playing style.
Conor Bradley, a 20-year-old academy graduate, emerged as a promising candidate during this period. Bradley had previously featured in pre-season friendlies, and his performances raised hopes that he might be the most natural replacement for Alexander-Arnold. While these friendlies were against German second-division teams, Bradley’s performances were notable. Unfortunately, his chances to further prove himself were limited due to an injury.
However, there’s good news on the horizon. Jürgen Klopp recently stated that Bradley is making progress and has resumed running at the AXA Training Centre. It’s important to note that Liverpool will manage his return carefully, considering his age and the nature of his injury. This update aligns with the initial prognosis, suggesting that a possible return could happen in November.
The question that now arises is whether Conor Bradley can become the primary understudy for Trent Alexander-Arnold. Klopp had previously hinted that the door was open for Bradley to join the first team. While he may not have immediate opportunities in the Premier League, the Europa League, and the Carabao Cup, other tournaments such as the FA Cup could provide chances for him to shine. Additionally, it’s worth considering the case of Jarell Quansah, who made a significant impact in his first-team appearances after his loan spell with League One Bristol Rovers.
Conor Bradley’s performance during his concurrent loan stint in League One with Bolton Wanderers was impressive, earning him recognition as one of the standout talents. He scored five goals and provided five assists in 41 league appearances, earning a clean sweep at the club’s end-of-season awards. Klopp acknowledged that this spell had raised the profile of Bradley, who was previously known primarily to “football nerds.”
Furthermore, Bradley has already established himself as a full international for Northern Ireland, with 13 caps to his name. His performance in a 2-1 victory against Kosovo in 2022 received high praise from compatriot Jonny Evans, and Viaplay Sports pundit Ian Dowie referred to him as “quality” after a 2-0 win over San Marino in March.
In light of these achievements and his potential to offer valuable depth to Liverpool’s squad, Conor Bradley’s possible comeback next month is a source of excitement at Anfield. While much attention is naturally focused on the recovery timelines of high-profile players like Thiago and Cody Gakpo, Bradley’s return has the potential to strengthen the team’s options and provide a promising solution to the right-back conundrum.
