12 January 2024 , 13:45
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Alan Shearer has hailed Liverpool starlet Conor Bradley and his "brilliant" performances as the youngster steps into Trent Alexander-Arnold's shoes.
The 20-year-old joined the club from Dunnagon Swifts in 2019 and was handed a role in the Reds’ academy. Bradley started to break into the first team during 2021/22 before enjoying a standout loan spell with Bolton Wanderers in League One last term.
The defender is now set for an extended stint in Jurgen Klopp's team following the injury suffered by Alexander-Arnold. He shone in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg victory against Fulham at Anfield.
Bradley’s showing left Alan Shearer hugely impressed. Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, the Newcastle icon said: "Big mention, you know, for the young boy, he came on at Arsenal at the weekend, Conor Bradley, right-back. And then he got his start against Fulham.
“He was brilliant, he was fantastic both offensively and defensively. For someone so young to come in, I just thought he looked absolutely superb.”
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Shearer is not the only one to praise Bradley ahead of a potential Premier League debut. Reds boss Klopp was also left hailing him after his standout performance against Fulham.
"Exceptional, what a boy, what fantastic character and the potential,” the German said. “He is in the right team, everyone loves him and respects him and wants him to succeed."
Bradley himself has also spoken out on his recent opportunities in the Liverpool first team. He said: "Trent's obviously the best right-back in the world at the moment, probably the best player in the world at the moment with the way he’s playing. He’s a big miss but I just tried to do everything I could to fill in for him and thankfully we got the win."
Jurgen Klopp has been full of praise for Conor Bradley (Getty Images)How much of a miss will Trent Alexander-Arnold be? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Bradley will be aiming to earn another opportunity in the future as he aims for a Premier League debut. Liverpool have a weekend off before their clash with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
Bradley has been handed a place on the bench in each of the last six Premier League games but has yet to make an appearance. While he is still waiting for his opportunity, the youngster has already become a key player on the international front.
The right-back made his debut for Northern Ireland back in May 2021 and now has 13 caps to his name. Bradley has three-and-a-half years left to run on his contract with Liverpool.