Steve Nicol says he’s unsure whether Arne Slot really rates ‘unbelievable’ Liverpool youngster

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Liverpool have raced off the blocks under Arne Slot and have secured 12 wins from his first 14 games in charge of the club.

The 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Anfield is the only blemish in the Dutchman’s record so far, but the Reds have been in fine form across all competitions.

Slot’s methods have worked wonders for the likes of Luis Diaz and Ryan Gravenberch, with their pair taking their games to another level this season after a rather lukewarm spell during the 2023-24 campaign.

While Slot’s arrival has largely been good for most of the Liverpool players, Steve Nicol is unsure where Conor Bradley stands under the new manager.

Steve Nicol on whether Arne Slot really rates Liverpool defender Conor Bradley

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been linked with a move to Real Madrid and is yet to sign an extension, raising fears that he could be on his way out of the club at the end of the season.

If the Liverpool vice-captain departs, Bradley would become an obvious candidate to take his spot in the starting XI.

Nicol feels Alexander-Arnold will move to Real Madrid but isn’t quite sure if Slot would turn to Bradley to make up for his departure.

“Personally, you give Conor Bradley a run in the team [if TAA leaves],” said Nicol on ESPN FC’s YouTube channel.

“It’s hard to judge whether Arne Slot likes him or rates him. I’m pretty sure Jurgen Klopp did and that’s why previously when there was talk about Trent going, I was like you know what?

“If you’re going to get a lot of money, you have to look at the future of the club and let him go to play Bradley. But Klopp’s not the manager anymore and I don’t know where Bradley sits with Slot.”

Former Everton midfielder Isaac Price believes Bradley is an ‘unbelievable’ talent as the youngster continues to shine for Northern Ireland despite his lack of game time at Liverpool.

Bradley’s record under Slot

Bradley is yet to start a Premier League or UEFA Champions League game under Slot but was picked in the starting XI for each of Liverpool’s two Carabao Cup games.

With four substitute appearances in the league, he has played second-fiddle to Alexander-Arnold so far.

It’s still too early to pass a judgment as Slot has managed just 14 games at Liverpool, so it remains to be seen what he really thinks of Bradley as the season progresses.