Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai could meet new rival Arda Guler of Real Madrid much sooner than he anticipated

Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai could meet new rival Arda Guler of Real Madrid much sooner than he anticipated

Can Conor Bradley step up and be Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s replacement as Liverpool’s first-choice right back if the Scouser leaves? Harry McMullen takes a look.

When thinking of Liverpool’s out-of-contract stars, it’s unimaginable that Virgil Van Dijk or Mohamed Salah would go unreplaced should they depart this summer.

Yet, despite Alexander-Arnold being the most peak-aged player of the trio, there are few credible links to potential replacements at right-back if he leaves.

• READ: Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid: A legacy-changing decision

So, what has understudy Bradley done to engender trust to be in the reckoning to take over from the No. 66?

The team he plays in

Building a successful team is hard. Some clubs are adept at profiling players and constructing a clear system, such as Brighton or Brentford, but they can lack elite quality for the biggest matches.

Others, like Chelsea, have an abundance of quality but the team is so incoherent that they can be taken apart.

Liverpool have got it spot on for Arne Slot this season. The squad is well suited to his system and more controlled style of play, but there are also several world-leading talents who can be decisive regardless of tactics or systems.

The big moments in both boxes have typically gone Liverpool’s way this season.

Alexander-Arnold is one such moment’s player – we’ve called him a “game-breaker” in the past – because he has the quality to decide a game by himself.

He has simplified his game this season, becoming more defensively solid whilst still contributing to the attack. But Slot has also compromised his vision for the full-back role to accommodate him.

What is Slot’s vision?

Slot’s teams control the tempo of games.

Sometimes that’s by sitting deep and counter-attacking, other times it’s with their high press – but ideally, it’s through their use of the ball. “Kill teams with passes” as he told the players in pre-season.

By playing slower, simpler passes in build-up, opponents are tempted to press, allowing Slot’s side to quickly move up and exploit the space in behind.

Full-backs play a key role in this game of tempo. At Feyenoord, Slot’s most-used player was Lutsharel Geertruida (No. 4, pictured below).

He could play on either side of the defence or at centre-back, but always with the instruction to get on the ball in central regions. This could sometimes be in the first phase of buildup…

…and definitely in the second phase, with the inverted full-back playing inside the opponent’s defensive block.

This overloads the midfield, meaning his team either have a free man to pass to, or space in behind if an opposition defender steps up to mark that free man.

Liverpool have generally used their full-backs more conservatively this season. By building with a back four, they open up passing lanes to the wingers, and Alexander-Arnold has time to pick a killer ball in behind.

The forwards are more likely to drop and create that overload in midfield rather than a full-back pushing up, such as when Salah drops to play a bounce pass for Alexander-Arnold to surge forwards.

How does Bradley compare?

Bradley, however, can play more like a Slot full-back – which was evidenced in November’s 2-0 win over Real Madrid.

In the first half, Liverpool kept their usual buildup shape, playing around the sides of Madrid’s press.

Bradley was able to shut down counter attacks effectively this way, leading to his superb challenge on Kylian Mbappe that took all of the headlines.

But in the second half, with Liverpool allowed to dominate possession, Bradley was instructed to move inside, becoming the extra player in the middle.

Real were unable to track his movement, and Bradley popped up in the box to attack Liverpool’s best chance so far – though his header was saved.

A few minutes later, however, Bradley was free again, and he teed up Alexis Mac Allister‘s opening goal.

It wasn’t as flashy as an Alexander-Arnold whipped ball or even one of Bradley’s own pinpoint crosses. But it was, crucially, decisive.

Another example comes from the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg; here he is bursting into space through the middle to receive the ball…

…before sliding it through for Dominik Szoboszlai to finish.

The obvious caveat to Bradley’s potential though is his worrying injury record, which has seen him miss 40 games, and counting, over the last two seasons with back and hamstring issues.

Alexander-Arnold has not been immune missing 23 games since the start of last season, but the Reds have had Bradley in reserve and it’s fair to say the back-up quality would not be the same if he were to move up the ranks.

Availability is one of the biggest assets a player can boast and Bradley’s susceptibility to injuries will not be lost on Slot when he considers Liverpool’s future at right-back.

How it all fits

Bradley initially developed as an archetypal Jurgen Klopp full-back, hurtling up and down the wing and whipping in crosses from out wide.

But for club and country in the last 12 months, he’s developed his positional sense and his close control.

While he’s still learning, Bradley now has the ability also to play between the width of the goal posts – either supporting or finishing off the attack.

When Liverpool lose the incredible passing range of Alexander-Arnold next season, they’ll need to find other ways of creating space for their forwards.

Slot ideally wants a full-back who is equally comfortable playing inside or outside of the opponent’s defensive shape. He’s already used Bradley this way on the right – links with the likes of Milos Kerkez and Jorrel Hato suggest he wants that flexibility on the left, too.

Bradley will likely never become the new Alexander-Arnold. But being the ‘first’ Conor Bradley is enough for Slot to remake the team without Alexander-Arnold, should he have to.

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Reports that claimed Liverpool had held initial talks with Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong have been dismissed, while Friday’s news also brought an update on Harvey Elliott‘s transfer possibilities.

Today’s Main LFC Headline

Bayer Leverkusen’s Frimpong has been named among the candidates to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, not that he is a natural right-back.

And out of the blue on Thursday evening the Press Association claimed Liverpool had “held initial talks” to sign the impressive 24-year-old, but no one else backed up the report.

In fact, it was the opposite with the Echo‘s Ian Doyle insisting the club “are not in talks” over signing the Dutch international, with such claims labelled “premature.”

Expect a lot of this back-and-forth over the coming weeks and months as seemingly every Liverpool player is having their future questioned with possible replacements already ‘lined up’.

Frimpong is an exceptionally talented player who knows how to attack the opposition’s goal, but he is far from a specialist right-back and any pursuit would signal a change in tactics from Arne Slot.

Today’s Liverpool FC News

More from This Is Anfield

Who is going to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold? We’ve all thought about it, even if we don’t want it to become Liverpool’s reality. Here, Jack Lusby looks at 10 options the club could consider:

“Run Alexander-Arnold’s output through various statistical models and the same name continues to pop up, with Pedro Porro perhaps a surprise leading contender.

“There may be a bias considering the Spaniard is playing for a Tottenham side woefully underperforming under Ange Postecoglou, but he has been a standout in his inverted role.

“Porro is similarly attack-minded and possesses excellent technical ability, with his long-range passing a key outlet, while he has the energy and defensive nous to track back and shut down opposition attacks.”

Elsewhere in the football world today

• Pep Guardiola has remained coy over Kevin De Bruyne‘s future at Man City, saying “it’s between the club and Kevin” – he is out of contract this summer. We’re not the only ones then!

• Osasuna have made an appeal to the Spanish FA claiming that Barcelona‘s Inigo Martinez was ineligible to play against them having not accepted his international call up due to injury – fair play

• UEFA, meanwhile, has opened an investigation into Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Dani Ceballos and Antonio Rudiger for their actions while celebrating against Atletico – what a lovely bunch of lads Trent will be joining…(BBC Sport)

Liverpool FC: On this day

On this day in 1984, Joe Fagan lifted his first trophy as Liverpool manager. His team won the Milk Cup in a replay at Maine Road against Everton.

The first final at Wembley had finished in a stalemate, but three days later a Graeme Souness strike proved the difference for Liverpool in what was the start of a trophy-laden season.

In Fagan’s first year at the helm after replacing Bob Paisley, he led the Reds to a historic treble, lifting the league title, League Cup and European Cup.

A modest and unassuming man, but he remains one of the most respected figures in the game. Here’s to you Smokin’ Joe.

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Harvey Elliott has been bullish about his desire to remain at Liverpool, but it is said that the club would be prepared to accept a “good offer” should they receive one this summer.

It has been a frustrating season for Elliott, first with injury and then with his attempts to force his way into Arne Slot‘s plans – which has returned just 587 minutes so far.

After featuring in every matchday squad last season and accumulating 2,776 minutes, it has been a stark change in pace for the 21-year-old.

In January, he was linked to Brighton and Borussia Dortmund but made it clear that “Liverpool is my club, Liverpool is my team. I want to fight for my place, fight for my position in the team.”

His stance will be unlikely to change in the summer, however Sky Sports‘ Melissa Reddy, who has close contacts at Liverpool, states “a good offer would be accepted this summer.”

* Note (above): Elliott spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Blackburn

It is important to note the context in which Reddy intended, with it discussed amid Liverpool’s stance on Trent Alexander-Arnold looking likely to pursue a move to Real Madrid.

Reddy notes that “the club know it would be hypocritical, for example, to be annoyed by Alexander-Arnold leaving for Madrid when a good offer would be accepted this summer for Harvey Elliott.”

• READ: Salah and Van Dijk both “desperate” to stay at Liverpool

You cannot see either the club or Elliott pushing for a transfer at the end of the season, but the notable mention does signal to others that the Reds are at least open to offers.

The club signed Elliott from Fulham in 2019 for a deal worth up to £4.3 million, and he has become an important squad member, though Slot has been far less reliant – which has been met with mixed reviews.

Liverpool find themselves in an interesting predicament this summer. They are on the cusp of winning the Premier League title, all the while having several players under transfer speculation and three without a deal beyond this season.

There can be a thing of too much upheaval and with Elliott also acting as a valuable homegrown player, you sense only an offer too good to turn down will catch Liverpool’s attention.

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Mohamed Amoura: A Michael Edwards-Type Signing for Liverpool? With the departure of Jurgen Klopp in May 2024 and Arne Slot now at the helm, Liverpool have been actively scouting for new attacking options. One name that has emerged recently is Mohamed Amoura from VFL Wolfsburg. On the Transfer Market Metrics podcast by Anfield Index, Dr […]

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Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are both said to be “desperate” to stay at Liverpool and extend their contracts beyond the summer.

That is according to the reliable Sky Sports reporter Melissa Reddy, who writes of the duo’s desire to remain at the club but that “there has been no breakthrough [in talks].”

Reddy, who has close connections at Anfield, adds that contract offers to the two players will not be affected by events surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s likely departure, with some reports suggesting that the freeing up of wages would allow for larger offers to Van Dijk and Salah.

However, on a more positive note, Reddy adds that “the optimism is still strong that the pair will remain.”

Both Salah and Van Dijk have, unlike Alexander-Arnold, spoken openly about their desire to remain at Liverpool beyond their contracts expiring in the summer, with nine games of the season remaining.

The most recent comments from Van Dijk, when he insisted that he himself had “no idea” on his future were most concerning and had offered a change in tone from the Dutchman.

Salah, too, has recently said similarly that there has been no breakthrough in contract talks.

Salah: My main motivation is to win the Premier League

Speaking last month, Salah outlined his determination to deliver a second league title, with his motivation being that it can be celebrated properly with supporters, unlike five years ago.

“That’s why I’m really desperate to win the Premier League with the club now and have the same day as this one [previous parades].

“It’s going to be unforgettable, because I know how much it means to win the Premier League.

“The biggest motivation is to win the Premier League.

“Not even the Champions League, I always chose the Champions League, for seven years I always said Champions League. This is the first year I say the Premier League!

“I just want to win the Premier League with the city and with the fans and just to experience that day, going on the parade in the city.

“It’s going to be incredible.”

Van Dijk: I love Liverpool

Van Dijk, who would become the first Dutchman to captain a team to the Premier League title, has made his intentions clear, saying:

“I am fully committed to Liverpool Football Club at the moment and there is no doubt about that.

“I love the fans, the fans love me, and I’ll keep working. I feel in one of the best shapes I’ve been in my career and you’ve been seeing that.

“I enjoy playing, I enjoy leading the boys out, I enjoy being there for each and every one. I feel that responsibility even more than ever, maybe because I’m getting older slowly. I feel fine. We’ll see what happens in the future.”

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Mohamed Salah is one of a number of Liverpool players who are out of contract this summer

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