Conor Bradley has certainly returned from injury in fine form for Liverpool, a 21-year-old who will hope to make the most of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s almost inevitable departure
It speaks volumes that Liverpool are trying to extend Bradley’s contract in wake of Alexander-Arnold’s decision to head to Real Madrid.
Liverpool want to sign a new right-back but Bradley has been assured that he will play a much more significant role in the future.
The Northern Ireland international has amassed 24 appearances for Arne Slot in all competitions this season, but that number should grow significantly next term.
It has to be said that the left side of Slot’s defence doesn’t look so certain – Liverpool want to sign Milos Kerkez but a deal isn’t concluded just yet
Conor Bradley praises Alisson after returning for Liverpool
Of course, another sub-plot to next season will be learning Liverpool’s plans with Giorgi Mamardashvili, their new goalkeeper who remained at Valencia for the season on loan.
But given his superb efforts this season, it seems very unlikely that Alisson Becker will be budged from the number one spot.
Earlier in the season Liverpool were considering an Alisson exit, but the Brazilian has now proven that he’s still among the world’s best.
That being said, Bradley made that exact statement in an interview with Liverpool’s club website recently.
Bradley was asked about Alisson’s recent return to the side and the Liverpool defender only had glowing things to say about the experienced Brazilian.
Bradley said: “He’s a wonderful goalkeeper, the best in the world in my opinion, and we are so happy to have him behind us.
If I get beat one-v-one or something, it’s so good to know he’s behind me because he can pull me out of jail. He’s brilliant.”
Caoimhin Kelleher needs to leave Liverpool
It has to be said that Caoimhin Kelleher hasn’t been bad by any means whilst stepping in for Alisson this season, even if he wasn’t quite at his best against Fulham recently.
But it is looking increasingly likely that Kelleher could leave Liverpool in search of a new challenge as a number one.
It’s often been said that the Liverpool backup goalkeeper is the best in his position across the entirety of the Premier League, which demonstrates the Irishman’s predicament.
Put bluntly, Kelleher isn’t going to replace Alisson as number one whilst he’s around and once Liverpool decide to make the switch it will likely be for Mamardashvili.
Three excellent goalkeepers, but it would be impossible to keep the trio all under one roof.