Shock star backed to become world class amid ‘absolutely incredible’ praise

Liverpool starlet Conor Bradley is set for a very bright future as he prepares to start working under new head coach Arne Slot.

Former Eredivisie title winner Slot has signed a three-year contract with Liverpool and has taken on the daunting task of replacing club icon Jurgen Klopp. While it will be difficult for the former Feyenoord boss to emulate Klopp’s success on Merseyside, he will at least inherit a very good team.

Liverpool overhauled their midfield last summer with the signings of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo.

The Reds also boast some exciting young players, including Bradley, Jarell Quansah, Ben Doak and Lewis Koumas, and these two factors have led to the team being nicknamed ‘Liverpool 2.0’.

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Bradley is a player Slot will be keen to work with, and he could even offer the full-back a bumper new contract. The 20-year-old could take over from Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, allowing the latter to move into a midfield role on a permanent basis.

Bradley, who has already played 17 times for Northern Ireland, has now received plenty of praise from international teammate Brodie Spencer.

“Conor Bradley is going to become one of the best players in the world,” Spencer said in a recent interview.

“The season he’s had, he’s been absolutely incredible and to be able to play alongside him is so good. It’s such a relief for me to play in central defense and have him alongside me.

Liverpool news: Conor Bradley praised

“He’s always there and supportive and he’s able to get himself out of tough situations, score goals and make things happen in attack. It’s great to play with him. He’s a top player and he makes the job look very easy.

After Bradley impressed in a 4-0 win over Bournemouth in January, Klopp said: “(He’s) top. Good aggression really in the game. He’s such a good footballer, he didn’t show it all the time today, but he’s such a good footballer and his attitude is exceptional.

“He’s got speed, he’s got aggression, everything you need in that position.”

Bradley hopes to solidify himself as a regular starter under Slot, just as he did when Alexander-Arnold was injured for parts of the 2023-24 season. However, Bradley’s playing time will depend on whether Liverpool sign another right-back this summer.

A second player who could reach new heights under the Dutch coach is Gravenberch. His father, Ryan Sr., told reporters in the Netherlands: “I don’t think he’s talked to Slot yet, but Ryan is happy he’s coming.”

“Even though he loved playing under Klopp, Slot’s style of play suits Ryan a little better.

“Slot plays more like Manchester City and Arsenal, under Klopp Liverpool played more directly. The slot game suits Ryan better thanks to Ajax’s training.

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