Northern Irishman Conor Bradley has made a bright start to his Liverpool career but who is The Reds new star man?
Bradley put in his best display yet as he picked up Player of the Match with a goal and two assists against Chelsea last night (Jan 31).
The 20-year-old was thrown into first team action against Arsenal earlier this month after an injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold.
And he didn’t disappoint, picking up the Liverpool fans’ Player of the Match and receiving high praise from manager Jurgen Klopp.
Klopp told Sky Sports: “What a boy and wonderful fantastic character… real talent and top potential.”
Early Life
Bradley was raised in County Tyrone where he went on to play for Dungannon United Youth and Dungannon Swifts as a youngster.
The full-back was scouted by Liverpool at the age of 15 and joined the club’s academy on a two-year scholarship in 2019.
Bradley impressed so much that after a year he was handed a three-year professional contract by the club.
He made his professional debut in an EFL Cup tie against Norwich City in September 2021.
Bradley became the first Northern Irish player to feature for The Reds since Sammy Smyth in 1954.
Bolton Wanderers
In 2022-23, Bradley went on loan to League One side Bolton Wanderers to gain more match time.
And he soon endeared himself to the Wanderers faithful as his talents earned him their Player of the Season last year.
The youngster enjoyed a fruitful loan spell helping the club reach the play-offs and win the Papa Johns Trophy at Wembley.
Bradley played a pivotal role mainly as a wing back, making 53 appearances in all competitions and scoring seven goals.
Bolton manager Ian Evatt spoke to The Bolton News about his pride seeing the youngster perform at the highest level.
“No, I was so pleased and proud. He is a wonderful young man with a brilliant family… I am proud of our club.
“We played a huge part in that journey and seeing him perform at that level and not look out of place for what at the moment is the best team in the country is brilliant.”
Northern Ireland
Bradley made his Northern Ireland debut at just 17 years old when he came on as a substitute against Malta back in May 2021.
Since then the fullback has gone on to make 13 appearances for his country and had been a key player until a back injury in June.
(featured image – courtesy of Alamy Images under paid for licence)
