He's leaving, but he leaves them the boy that could become new Liverpool legend
Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 01.02.24. | 11:15
Conor Bradley, 20, is ready to make his presence felt as Jurgen Klopp has launched another young star at Anfield
Sure, the Scousers' army still can't get their heads around the fact Jurgen Klopp will be leaving Anfield after almost a decade. The state of shock is still felt in the air, but there's something fundamental the German boss is leaving behind him aside from trophies and beautiful memories.
It's Conor Bradley. On Wednesday night, the 20-year-old Northern Irish full-back shone mouthwateringly against Chelsea in front of a packed Anfield. A splendid finishing and the assist made him the man of the match in a 4-1 home win against the Blues.
Special night at Anfield ! +3 ⚽️🅰️🅰️ pic.twitter.com/yV5boHdw6r
— Conor Bradley (@conorbradley03) February 1, 2024
Aged 20 years and 206 days, Bradley became the youngest Liverpool player to both score and assist a goal in a top-flight match since Raheem Sterling in August 2014 against Southampton.
Moreover, Bradley completed 25 of his 31 passes (81 per cent), including four key passes (two more than the entire Chelsea squad), and made three tackles.
Since Trent Alexander-Arnold's injury, the Reds academy graduate has contributed five assists and a goal in five successive starts in all competitions.
Trent watching this Connor Bradley masterclass from the bench pic.twitter.com/qN2Ydo9ok1
— Lucho™️💫 (@Yugdeep_LFC) January 31, 2024
Asked about his potential, Klopp said:
"I've known it for a while. In my left ear is Pep Lijnders and in my right ear is (first team development coach) Vitor Matos. But I didn't need a lot of convincing.
"It's a joy to watch him and all credit to the academy. Liverpool has a pretty special connection to Ireland and Northern Ireland.
"The way he plays, the way he shows up, it's a wonderful story. I can understand why everyone was so loud when he scored. It was beautiful, he deserves it, I'm very happy for him."
The youngster's teammates have certainly taken notice of his impact.
"Trent should take care of his position!" Szoboszlai joked afterwards. "We need everybody because we have a lot of games. Trent got injured, unlucky, but we had Bradley and he did very well. A goal, two assists, you couldn't wish for a better day. We are very happy to have him."
A memorable moment - even if Bradley was hazy on the details.
"I can't remember a thing, to be honest," he said. "I just remember running over to the corner flag and doing the knee slide. It felt good when I struck it, but I didn't actually see it go in. Someone was blocking me but then I saw everyone jumping up.
"I just feel like I'm in a dream. It's unbelievable. It's surreal for me. I've been supporting this club since I was five years old and I'm so thankful for the support."
PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 22
Tuesday
Nott. Forest - Arsenal 1-2 (0-0)
/Awoniyi 89 - Jesus , Saka /
Fulham - Everton 0-0
Luton - Brighton 4-0 (3-0)
/Adebayo 1, 42, 56, Ogbene 3/
Crystal Palace - Sheffield Utd 3-2 (2-2)
/Eze 17, 27, Olise 67 - Diaz 1, McAtee 20/
Aston Villa - Newcastle 1-3 (0-2)
/Watkins 71 - Schar 32, 36, Moreno 52 og/
Wednesday
Tottenham - Brentford 3-2 (0-1)
/Udogie 48, Johnson 49, Richarlison 56 - Maupay 15, Toney 67/
Manchester City - Burnley 3-1 (2-0)
/Alvarez 16,22, Rodri 46 - Al-Dakhil 90+3/
Liverpool - Chelsea 4-1 (2-0)
/Jota 23, Bradley 39, Szoboszlai 65, Diaz 78 - Nkunku 71/
Thursday
22:30 (2.50) West Ham (3.50) Bournemouth (2.95)
23:15 (2.85) Wolverhampton (3.50) Manchester United (2.55)
***odds are subject to change
