Liverpool youngster says he’s pushing to be part of Jurgen Klopp’s first team now

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Liverpool youngster Conor Bradley has claimed that pre-season ‘feels different’ for him this year.

The right-back had an exceptional loan spell at Bolton Wanderers last campaign. With Calvin Ramsay on-loan at Preston North End for 23/24, Bradley has a real chance of asserting himself in the first team squad.

And speaking to liverpoolfc.com for the first time since returning from Bolton, the 20-year-old said he’s aiming to do just that.

“Definitely the biggest [pre-season] of my career so far,” he said. “Obviously I think every pre-season is going to be the biggest for me but I’m looking forward to this one and seeing how I get on.

“It just feels different to the last time I’ve been on pre-season. I’m fighting for a spot now, I want a spot in this squad. I’m looking to work hard and fight for that spot.

“I’d say I’m a far better player than last time I was here. I’m really looking forward to the pre-season and trying to show what I’ve got. It’s been mad the last couple of years but I just want to keep working, keep going and see where it takes me.”

Bradley hungry for Liverpool chance

Jurgen Klopp will absolutely love to hear this kind of talks from the young right-back. Having blitzed all before him in League One last campaign, Bradley sounds hungry to keep his development going.

Of course, there’s only so much a young right-back at Liverpool can aim for, though. With Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of him, Bradley isn’t going to be anything like a regular next season.

But, then again, you never know. If the Northern Ireland international can impress Klopp sufficiently, the manager may be more sold on putting Trent in midfield permanently.

So far Jurgen has been reticent to do that. In fairness though, Liverpool have never had someone good enough to properly fill-in for him at full-back.

If Bradley can fulfil his early potential, then that could soon change.

Either way, the door is very much open for the young man at Anfield. He now has an opportunity to plough on through it.

The next couple of weeks will be a good indication of whether he’s ready for that. Do well, and he’ll surely be in the squad next season. Fail to impress enough, and he’ll be back out on-loan. Whatever happens, Bradley is one to keep an eye on.