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Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury could give Liverpool youngster a chance to shine

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By Siddharth Juyal

After receiving words of wisdom from Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool youngster Conor Bradley has the opportunity to follow in his footsteps

Liverpool youngster Conor Bradley received important advice from Trent Alexander-Arnold during his cameo in the FA Cup win over Arsenal. However, the opportunity for Bradley to follow in the footsteps of his vice-captain arises as he replaces Trent.

Trent suffered a knee injury against Arsenal and he could miss a few weeks, leaving a big hole. The 24-year-old is the primary creative outlet and he played a pivotal role in the Reds’ success so far.

Liverpool are currently at the top of the Premier League table and successfully progressed further in every cup competition. The Reds will face Fulham in the first leg of the Carabao Cup at Anfield on Wednesday night without Trent.

Arsenal's Brazilian midfielder #11 Gabriel Martinelli (L) vies with Liverpool's Northern Irish defender #84 Conor Bradley (R) during the English FA Cup third round football match between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in London on January 7, 2024. (Photo by Ben Stansall / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)
Liverpool youngster Conor Bradley has big shoes to fill after a knee injury to vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)

Bradley spoke to Liverpoolfc.com after the Arsenal victory to praise Trent’s advice that helped him keep Gabriel Martinelli quiet. He said:

“I just tried to force him inside. As soon as I came on, Trent told me just force him inside and he’ll be there to cover me. Any time he did try to take me on, I tried to force him inside – and I think I did alright against him, so I’m happy.”

Bradley enjoyed a successful loan spell with Bolton Wanderers last season, allowing him to prove his worth during the pre-season. He suffered a back injury during the pre-season friendlies after giving promising performances in an inverted right-back role.

Throughout this season, Trent has actively played the role of an inverted right-back and has regularly taken up the position of a number six as well. To play centrally, Joe Gomez played as the right-back until both specialists left-backs sustained a long-term injury. Gomez has played as a make-shift left-back to compensate for Kostas Tsimikas and Andy Robertson’s losses.

Bradley’s cameo against Arsenal displayed his defensive proficiencies as he managed to keep a fresh Martinelli in check. Furthermore, the 20-year-old showed his calmness and composure on the ball while frequently going further forward in the latter stages.

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The Northern Irishman can play at any position on the right flank and likes to bombard forward. His style of play fits the profile that Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp desires in a fullback. The Kopites eagerly anticipate Bradley‘s start against Fulham, hoping that the youngster possesses all the qualities required to be Trent’s deputy, especially when the latter is out injured.