Slot says 21-year-old must be “available every single week” if he is to become Liverpool’s first-choice full-back next season
Conor Bradley will be given a chance to impress for Liverpool as the club’s first-choice right-back, after Trent Alexander-Arnold announced that he would be leaving Anfield this summer.
The England international’s decision leaves Liverpool with 21-year-old Bradley as their only recognised senior player in the position. The Northern Irishman has had 54 first-team appearances for the club so far, after coming through the academy and making his senior debut in September 2021.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the club’s fixture against Arsenal on Sunday, Slot expressed confidence that Bradley could step up to the role next season after Alexander-Arnold leaves.
“Very talented player, Conor,” said Slot. “Unfortunately, [he] hasn’t been fit throughout the whole season and to become a very good player you have to be available every single week as well, and that’s the first step he has to make for next season.
“But we have a lot of confidence in Conor as a very good full-back for Liverpool, and that’s already what he’s shown, I think, in the past two seasons.”
Discussing the 21-year-old’s talent, Slot warned that it was not right to compare Bradley to Alexander-Arnold, calling them “two different types”.
Reports are that Liverpool are also considering the option of signing a new, more experienced right-back than Bradley to replace Alexander Arnold. Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong is particularly attractive to the club due to his £30 million release clause, according to Fabrizio Romano. Slot admitted that Liverpool could look at the market for players but said costs will be a serious consideration.
“If we find better players than we already have, then they still need to be affordable and need to want to come,” said Slot. “That last thing is mostly not a problem, by the way, but transfer fees sometimes are.”
How Conor Bradley Can Replace Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool
The Northern Ireland captain has generally shown more ability in defence than Alexander-Arnold. His bold sliding tackle against Kylian Mbappe in the Champions League – impatiently disposessing the foraging striker – had the Anfield faithful roaring with pleasure.
Such combative and aggressive displays are a key part of this young footballer’s game. And fans love that.
