Conor Bradley seems to be set to take the right-back position next season if Trent Alexander-Arnold moves to Real Madrid.
Alexander-Arnold is currently free to leave Liverpool when his contract expires, and Madrid are keen on landing the 26-year-old.
Bradley has become a key component of the Liverpool team since returning from his loan at Bolton Wanderers two years ago.
The Northern Irish international is also set to sign a new deal at Anfield, according to reports last week.
#LFC contract latest as the Reds look to reward their promising right-back 👇🔴https://t.co/cFakkeAJnW
— Ian Doyle (@IanDoyleSport) March 3, 2025
Fans have argued that Bradley can take over the role which Alexander-Arnold will leave behind.
Attacking Threat
There is no doubt that Alexander-Arnold is one of the best creative players in the world, as he’s got 91 assists in 368 games.
Since his return from loan, Bradley has eight assists in 45 appearances.
However, despite these numbers, Bradley has shown quality in the final third, where he makes an impact on the game.
During the 2024/25 season, Bradley averaged 3.94 progressive carries per 90.
He also averaged 4.2 touches in the attacking penalty area, the best out of any right-back in Europe.
These are both higher than Alexander-Arnold, who has averaged 1.84 progressive carries per 90 and 1.54 touches in the attacking penalty area.
For many, these statistics highlight a key part of Bradley’s attacking prowess, where he can create counter-attacking opportunities.
Bradley combines this with highly active pressing in the opposition’s defensive third.
Alexander-Arnold has set the bar for the role of a fullback since breaking into the Liverpool team in the 2017/18 season, but Bradley isn’t a million miles from replicating some of his impressive numbers.
Defensive Phases
Since his breakthrough season, much has been made of Alexander-Arnold’s defending and issues its caused.
The same hasn’t been said of Bradley, who has shown his talent in that area, which was showcased with a big tackle on Kylian Mbappe earlier this season.
Last season, Bradley was suggested that he is the perfect Jurgen Klopp fullback.
However, it seems that Bradley’s profile may suit Arne Slot more.
This season saw a slightly different system used, particularly with the fullbacks and their roles on the pitch.
The 2023/24 season, Alexander-Arnold featured regularly as an inverted fullback who would shift into the middle and occupy that space to create chances from deep.
However, this season, it’s been a different story, and Alexander-Arnold has had a lot more defensive responsibility.
When Bradley has come into the side, he has normally settled into the role quickly.
The statistics also back up the role Bradley plays in a defensive set-up.
This season, Bradley has averaged more tackles, blocks, clearances and successful aerials than Alexander-Arnold.
Despite this, there are a few issues that must be considered.
Injury Issues
One of the biggest worries about Bradley replacing Alexander-Arnold would be the injuries he has suffered in the last two seasons.
The 21-year-old is currently sidelined with a muscle injury, which he picked up in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.
Since he returned to Liverpool in the summer of 2023, Bradley has missed 228 days with injuries.
Alexander-Arnold on the other hand, has only missed 323 days through injury since 2017.
Having to rely on Bradley for important parts of the season may leave Slot and Liverpool with a risk around his injury problems.
This may also be a more problematic issue, as Liverpool may have to look at better right-back options in the transfer market if Alexander-Arnold is to leave.
Whether Alexander-Arnold is to leave or not this summer, the next 12 months could be crucial for the future of Bradley in a red shirt, if he can stamp down a place in the first team or if injuries hamper his progress.
Featured image by Alamy images under agreed license
