Conor Bradley recently mourned the loss of his father. At just 20 years old, the Northern Irishman faced a profound loss far too early in life, and our thoughts are naturally with him during this difficult time.
A Memorable Performance in Tribute
There’s a touching significance in the fact that one of his father’s final memories would likely have been witnessing Bradley’s outstanding display in the 4-1 win against Chelsea.
During that match, the young fullback announced his arrival on the global stage with a goal and two assists, a performance that would have undoubtedly filled Joe Bradley with immense pride.
Bradley’s Return to the Pitch
Despite the immense personal loss, Bradley returned to training this week, indicating his potential availability for the challenging away match against Brentford on Saturday lunchtime.
Tactical Decisions Ahead for Klopp
Trent Alexander-Arnold has not participated in training, leaving Jurgen Klopp to choose between Bradley, Joe Gomez (who has been out with the flu but is expected to recover), or the wildcard choice of Curtis Jones for the right-back position.
Jones filled in at right-back during the second half against Burnley after Trent exited due to injury, where he excelled in linking play and supporting Harvey Elliott with overlaps.
Given the circumstances, Bradley would be my preferred selection.
Bradley’s Rise to Prominence
His standout moment arrived during the 2-1 victory against Fulham in the EFL Cup semi-final’s first leg on January 10th.
Following his Man of the Match performance, Bradley’s career soared, showcasing his talent in matches against Bournemouth, Fulham again, and Norwich.
His performance against Chelsea capped off his rapid ascent, not just as a season highlight but as one of the most remarkable right-back displays I’ve witnessed.
Bradley vs. Trent: A Comparative Analysis
Bradley possesses exceptional speed. He’s adept at sticking to the touchline, making overlapping runs, dribbling past opponents, and even breaking past defensive lines, demonstrated by his goal against Chelsea. While some have hastily labeled him as a Trent Alexander-Arnold replica, Bradley’s style aligns more closely with a right-footed, younger version of Andy Robertson. His speed, tenacity, relentless spirit, and intelligence in tight spaces, coupled with his ability to deliver precise crosses from distance, set him apart.
In the match against Arsenal, where the team’s overall performance was lacking, Bradley’s speed was notably absent. Trent Alexander-Arnold is undeniably talented, yet he’s not the type to be on the receiving end of passes; he’s the one orchestrating them.
Operating from the right-back position, Trent often shifts inward to take on the role of a deep-lying playmaker.
His prowess with the ball is akin to that of a magician, though off the ball, like many midfielders with his elite technical skills, he can sometimes fall short.
Adapting Roles for Tactical Flexibility
Upon Trent’s return, he’ll understandably not be content with a rotational role, especially given his form prior to his injury, where he was a strong contender for Premier League Player of the Season, highlighted by his critical performances against teams like Fulham and Manchester City.
However, relegating Bradley to merely a substitute role would overlook the significant impact he’s had starting games.
A logical solution would be to adapt Trent into a midfield position, enabling him to utilize his playmaking abilities, while Bradley takes on the role of a traditional, dynamic fullback. This would distinguish Bradley from being the “quarterback” role Trent embodies, allowing for a strategic use of both players’ strengths.
Considerations for Future Tactical Setups
Deploying Trent as a No.6 without a defensively astute partner could pose risks during turnovers and in halting counter-attacks, areas where Trent has shown vulnerabilities.
However, pairing him in a double-pivot with either Wataru Endo or Alexis Mac Allister could prove fruitful, offering Curtis Jones or Dom Szoboszlai greater liberty to advance.
Should Trent take on the midfield anchor role solo, his no.8s must adopt a more compact and restrained style of play to mitigate the risk of leaving expansive gaps in the midfield. This strategic adjustment would be essential to maintaining balance and ensuring defensive solidity.
A Glimpse into the Future Under Potential New Management
This tactical puzzle is perhaps more for Klopp’s successor, potentially Xabi Alonso, to solve than for Klopp himself, who is less likely to implement major tactical shifts before the season concludes, preferring a game-by-game strategy.
The new manager will inherit the prime years of both Bradley and Trent, presenting an exciting prospect for the team’s future.
Alonso’s current preference for a 3-4-2-1 system, which emphasizes the role of dynamic wing-backs, seems more naturally suited to Bradley’s style than Trent’s.
However, Trent’s adaptability means he could seamlessly transition into a central midfield role within a double-pivot, especially with the added security of three central defenders behind him, should Alonso assume leadership. This strategic adjustment could effectively leverage the strengths of both players under the new managerial vision.
This tactical puzzle is perhaps more for Klopp’s successor, potentially Xabi Alonso, to solve than for Klopp himself, who is less likely to implement major tactical shifts before the season concludes, preferring a game-by-game strategy.
This tactical shift would also benefit Gomez, who is well-suited to play on the right side of a back-three formation.
However, such forward-thinking might be getting ahead of ourselves, given the immediate goal of pursuing a quadruple and securing three crucial points in the upcoming Saturday match.
In light of his recent personal loss, Bradley will undoubtedly receive immense support and affection from both his teammates and the fans. I’m confident in his ability to make a strong return, though if Bradley feels he needs more time to grieve, the management will surely respect his need without any rush.