Trent Alexander-Arnold gave Liverpool’s Conor Bradley some wise counsel during his brief appearance in the FA Cup victory over Arsenal. But when Bradley takes Trent’s place, he has the chance to emulate his vice-captain.
Trent could be out for several weeks due to a knee injury he sustained against Arsenal, which would leave a significant hole. The 24-year-old is the team’s main creative outlet and has been essential to the Reds’ early success.
Liverpool has advanced further in every cup tournament and is presently leading the Premier League table. Without Trent, the Reds will play Fulham at Anfield on Wednesday night in the opening leg of the Carabao Cup.
After Arsenal’s triumph, Bradley talked with Liverpoolfc.com to thank Trent for his advice in keeping Gabriel Martinelli quiet. He declared:
All I did was try to yank him inside. Trent advised me to just force him inside and he’d be there to cover me as soon as I came on. I tried to push him inside whenever he attempted to confront me, and I believe I succeeded in doing so, so I’m satisfied.
Bradley had a great loan stint with Bolton Wanderers the previous year, which helped him establish his value in the preseason. He played well in inverted right-back roles during the preseason friendly before suffering a back ailment.
Trent has actively assumed the position of an inverted right-back and a number-six on a regular basis throughout this season. Until the long-term injuries suffered by both of the specialist left-backs, Joe Gomez filled the position of right-back to play centrally. In order to make up for the injuries to Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas, Gomez has filled in as a stand-in left back.
Bradley’s defensive skills were on display during his cameo against Arsenal as he held a rookie Martinelli in check. In addition, the 20-year-old demonstrated his poise and patience when handling the ball by routinely advancing farther in the later phases.
The Northern Irishman enjoys barging forward and can play at any position on the right flank. His playing style is in line with what Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is looking for in a fullback. The Kopites are excited for Bradley to start against Fulham in the hopes that the young player has what it takes to be Trent’s backup, particularly when the latter is sidelined due to injury.