Incredible numbers show how Liverpool could internally solve Trent Alexander-Arnold conundrum

Liverpool youngster Conor Bradley earned the Player of the Match award in the Carabao Cup semi-final’s first-leg victory over Fulham

Liverpool right-back Conor Bradley outshined his teammates in the Carabao Cup semi-final’s first-leg win over Fulham. The 20-year-old had a big shoe to fill after a knee injury sidelined Trent Alexander-Arnold for a few weeks.

Bradley lived up to the expectations and the pressure of replacing the Liverpool vice-captain with a spectacular performance. He managed to subdue one of the trickiest and pacy as well as experienced wingers in the Premier League, Willian.

The Northern Irishman joined manager Jurgen Klopp’s senior team this season after a successful last season spell with Bolton Wanderers. However, after two promising performances in the pre-season, he sustained a back injury, sidelining him earlier this season.

Anfield Index used platform X to share the impressive stats that Bradley acquired during his performance against Fulham. He made the most tackles on the pitch (six) and won the most fouls (two) in the dangerous positions.

Furthermore, the 20-year-old won the most duels for Liverpool (nine) and made the second-most recoveries for his team (six). He covered the whole right flank with his energy, pace and impressive work-rate, bombarding forward and making fantastic recoveries.

Bradley showed maturity by reading the game and using his body to come between the opponents and the ball. He displayed tenacity and physicality that is essential in the Premier League while fulfilling his tactical duties. This discipline could be a boon for the Reds, allowing them to deploy Trent Alexander-Arnold in a midfield role. Bradley’s rise could be a boon for all parties involved.

Liverpool’s official account in X declared Bradley the rightful Player of the Match for his combative display against Fulham. Liverpool made an important comeback in the second half after Fulham went a goal ahead in the first.

The London side used counter-attacking football and every playbook of “dirty” football by rolling down and wasting time. Given the daunting task at hand, one cannot blame them for resorting to such methods.

Klopp has used Trent more centrally this season and put him as a number six whenever he could. Usually, the move came when Trent’s deputy and versatile centre-back Joe Gomez took the right-back position.

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Bradley’s impressive outing proves that he has every talent and quality that Klopp would have asked from scouts. The Kopites love it when an academy player proves that he is far more capable than any high-price potential transfer target. If Bradley can continue to perform like this consistently then we can finally see Trent dominate the games from midfield.