In per week that reminded us what Anfield really appears like, Conor Bradley produced the sort of efficiency that summed up all the pieces we wish from this Liverpool facet.
As reported by Phil McNulty of BBC Sport, the Northern Irish full-back “was pushed by the total pressure of Anfield’s adoration” because the Reds beat Actual Madrid 1–0 to maneuver nearer to Champions League development.
Bradley’s show hailed as “excellent” by Slot and BBC Sport
McNulty described how the 22-year-old right-back “decreased Vinicius Jr to a passenger” and “fuelled the fury geared toward Alexander-Arnold with an impressive show.”
It was a efficiency of maturity and hearth, each sort out greeted with a roar, each interception celebrated like a objective. Even our boss might barely cover his satisfaction.
“Conor Bradley was excellent,” mentioned Arne Slot. “To be up towards Vinicius so many occasions one towards one shouldn’t be for everybody, however he was excellent.”
The BBC chief soccer author known as it “Liverpool’s night time, Bradley’s night time – the type of night time Anfield revels in.”
It echoed what we noticed after the ultimate whistle when Liverpool’s dressing room spirit was on full show after our Champions League victory over Actual Madrid and it got here within the feedback part of Conor Bradley’s Instagram submit.
The appropriate facet of defence belongs to Liverpool once more
For these of us watching, it wasn’t only a strong efficiency – it was an announcement.
From the primary whistle, the younger right-back shut down Actual’s greatest risk, successful six of his eight duels and finishing 91% of his passes (by way of Opta).
It was a reminder that the shirt nonetheless means lots and that those that stayed loyal are prepared to write down their very own historical past.
As McNulty put it, “Bradley was the shining image of a Liverpool show that harked again to their Premier League title-winning greatest.”
And he’s already earned the respect of his captain, after Van Dijk praised the Northern Irishman as “excellent, excellent” for holding Vinicius quiet.
With Manchester Metropolis subsequent, and the title race feeling attainable once more, there’s no query – this was Conor Bradley’s night time, nevertheless it would possibly simply be Liverpool’s turning level too.
You possibly can watch Slot’s post-match press convention by way of Empire of the Kop on YouTube:
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