Former Man City Star Heaps Praise on ‘Special’ Liverpool Defender After Leicester City Victory | OneFootball

Liverpool Face Crucial Right-Back Decision Amid Conor Bradley Emergence

Liverpool edged one step closer to Premier League glory on Easter Sunday, grinding out a 1-0 win over Leicester City courtesy of a late, thunderous strike from Trent Alexander-Arnold. It wasn’t their slickest display—nor did it need to be. In April, points outweigh polish, and Trent’s goal, his first-ever with his left foot, was a timely reminder of his enduring class.

Yet beneath the jubilation lies a more nuanced subplot. As Liverpool prepare for life under Arne Slot with the title within touching distance, the conversation around who holds the future of the right-back position at Anfield is gaining momentum. Conor Bradley, the 21-year-old from Northern Ireland, is at the heart of it.

Photo: IMAGO

Bradley Shows Promise But Faces Familiar Questions

Bradley has been given a considerable run in the side recently, deputising for the oft-injured and tactically rotated Alexander-Arnold. His performances have been broadly impressive, with flashes of maturity and sharp tactical understanding. Still, not everyone is convinced the future is entirely his just yet.

Speaking on The Rest Is Football, former England international Micah Richards struck a measured tone:

“I think in the wider context it was nice to see Conor Bradley as well to see what he could bring to this team potentially going forward, do they need to sign a right-back, will he be second in command?”

Richards didn’t hesitate to highlight the positive elements of Bradley’s game:

“But I think he’s got something special as well, in a different way. He’s more aggressive defensively but still makes really intelligent runs, more inside than outside. I liked the link up with him and Salah today as well and I think he’s got a real chance.”

Yet, he was also honest about the uncertainties:

“I think the question mark is whether he’s going to be the number one. I think he’s got all the attributes to do that but that is the one question mark that Liverpool fans will be asking.”

Alexander-Arnold’s Future Adds to the Intrigue

What complicates matters further is the status of Trent Alexander-Arnold. His contract situation remains unresolved, and despite delivering when called upon—as his goal against Leicester showed—his role in the team continues to shift.

The 26-year-old has evolved beyond the traditional right-back mould. His influence stems more from his distribution and vision than pure defensive solidity, and under Slot, there’s a real possibility he could be moved permanently into midfield—a role he’s often flirted with.

This potential reshuffle makes Bradley’s development all the more critical. But is he the heir, or merely the apprentice?

Right-Back Position Hinges on Summer Decisions

Gary Lineker, weighing in on the debate, pointed to the stylistic contrast between the two players:

“It’s a tough act to follow but I think it probably helps him that he’s a totally different style of full-back to Trent.”

“He’s not got the passing range, but he’s got great energy, gets up and down, gets crosses in, his runs are really good. I suppose for Liverpool they’ll probably look at a right-back anyway as back-up because he would have been the back-up to Trent before, I don’t know.”

Indeed, Liverpool’s transfer strategy this summer will reveal a great deal. Do they trust Bradley to mature into the role, perhaps with an experienced back-up behind him? Or will they look for a more established right-back, effectively pushing the youngster back down the pecking order?

What’s evident is that Liverpool have two very different profiles in Alexander-Arnold and Bradley—each offering unique benefits, each raising valid questions. One is a proven creative force with a Champions League medal in his pocket; the other, a determined upstart with raw tools and the potential to become a mainstay.

Slot’s first full season will likely be shaped, in part, by how he balances that equation.