Liverpool’s right-back dilemma might just be solved for years to come. Trent Alexander Arnold grew up as a Red all his life. From the youth ranks to promotion to the first team, he became one of the best right-backs in the world for a good 5-7 years to date. The Liverpool academy might have had extraordinary luck again with Connor Bradley. The young, talented Northern Irish footballer’s emergence as a potential first-team player was one of the intriguing developments of the 23/24 Premier League campaign. Is he too good to be just a backup for Trent?
Connor Bradley’s Rise as a Premier League Prospect
Trent Alexander Arnold suffered a significant injury in the 23/24 campaign in January 2024. Liverpool confirmed that Trent had suffered a knee injury that would keep him out for several weeks. There was panic all around as the absence of such a dynamic fullback who’s been pivotal in winning so many trophies with Liverpool could hamper their title challenge with Manchester City and Arsenal playing dominant football. Someone had to step up and fill his place.
The 21-one-year-old Irishman was given a go at the right-back position by Jurgen Klopp. A role many thought might just be too big for Connor Bradley or possibly any other right back in the world. He was promoted to the first team and signed his professional contract with Liverpool in 2021 when he was just 18 years old.
He was sent on loan to Bolton Wanderers and continued to show promise, winning the Player of the Year award and the Young Player of the Year. Finally, at 21, he made his full Premier League debut in a 4-0 against Liverpool and registered an assist, making an instant impact. With high praise from the media, pundits, and his manager, the youngster consistently performed, showing everyone that he is a balanced all-around fullback with both attacking and defensive prowess. In a match against Chelsea, he performed a standout performance when he scored a goal and gave two assists.
He was named man of the match for the second time in three days. Bradley started to give Klopp a real headache about who to play at right back for Liverpool when the England International returned from injury. Bradley won his first trophy with Liverpool in the EFL Cup final against Chelsea. He gave a decent 72 minutes for the Reds, who went on to win the cup in extra time.
Right Back Dilemma for Liverpool
Liverpool has a challenge regarding depth at the right-back position. Trent Alexander Arnold has been a mainstay at right back for Liverpool for about half a decade. Winning every single trophy for his boyhood club, he is now the team’s vice-captain. Trent has an astonishing 58 assists in the Premier League, the most by a defender in Premier League history. His vision and passing range make him unique and undoubtedly the best in the world for being an attacking fullback.
However, he sometimes shows a lackluster side in his defending, making it easy for wingers to get past, and the manager relies on a system to incorporate his defensive vulnerability. Even then, Jurgen Klopp, Arne Slot, or any manager would think twice about ever benching him, considering what he brings to the side.
With all this, Liverpool face a dilemma. Considering Trent’s excellence, the Reds face balancing Bradley’s development and integrating him into the squad. Bradley, just 21 years of age, has proved on many occasions that he is too talented to be just a mere backup for Trent, who is also just 25 years old and has not even hit prime years yet. While so many pundits have always suggested that Trent is too good to be playing as a defender and should shift to midfield. Trent should be given the midfield hybrid role that Jurgen Klopp granted him the previous season; this would also strike the optimum tactical balance and satisfy Bradley.
Considering that, in terms of defending, Bradley may have the advantage over the Liverpool vice-captain. But it is highly unlikely, as Arne slot prefers a midfield pivot consisting of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister. Trent might not be placed in midfield under the Dutch coach. Is this concerning for Bradley? Will he take the risk and make a move to utilize his amazing talent? or is he happy waiting on the bench all season with inconsistent game time?
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