Conor Bradley has been one of the revelations of the season at Liverpool.
Having done terrifically well at Bolton Wanderers last year, Bradley had been slated for a role in the Reds’ first-team this campaign. Injury initially stopped the 20-year-old from having the desired impact, but over the past couple of months, Bradley has come to the fore.
Set to start for Liverpool against Manchester City tomorrow, the Northern Irishman has come a long way over the past 18 months.
But speaking to Sky Sports today, Bradley admitted that he still doesn’t feel quite like a seasoned pro at Liverpool just yet.
Asked how he keeps his feet on the ground after such a stunning rise, the youngster cited Reds left-back Andy Robertson as an inspiration.
“I still have a long way to go yet to be like a seasoned pro, to be the likes of Trent or Robbo,” says Bradley. “But Robbo helps me quite a bit as well. He keeps telling me to just keep being consistent, and consistency is the main one.”
Bradley hails Robertson advice
Much has been made of the amount of young players now starting to shine at Liverpool this season. It has certainly been a vintage year for the academy.
However, what is often overlooked is the fact that the Reds still have a number of very experienced, decorated senior players as well.
For every Bradley there is a Robertson behind him. For every Jarell Quansah there is a Virgil van Dijk.
And in that regard, Liverpool have almost got the perfect balance. Yes, Bradley is a terrific young talent who looks like having a big future in the game. But he does still have a long way to go.
The right-back has played just 20 senior games for the Reds. He may look the part, but he hasn’t assured himself of anything yet.
One man who will appreciate the art of perseverance more than most is Robertson. At Bradley’s age, Robbo was still playing up in Scotland with Dundee United.
Having soon made his way to the Premier League, the left-back suffered two relegations and a promotion with Hull City before rocking up at Liverpool. His career was not plain sailing.
After joining the Reds, Robertson also had to feel his way into things. He was initially back-up to Alberto Moreno. But having performed so consistently over the past seven years, Robbo will now go down as one of Liverpool’s finest ever left-backs.
As far as role models go, Bradley could hardly have a better one. Never underestimate the importance of characters like Robertson.
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