Liverpool fans set to learn whether Conor Bradley really is the answer to their right-back problem

Add as preferred source on Google

Liverpool supporters perhaps did not want to admit how much of a problem Trent Alexander-Arnold’s exit was likely to be this season.

Alexander-Arnold enraged the Reds’ fanbase by choosing to run down his contract and leave for Real Madrid in the summer.

Given the pure anger towards the Liverpool academy graduate, many argued with gusto that Conor Bradley and new signing Jeremie Frimpong would easily replace Alexander-Arnold.

However, that was always likely to be wishful thinking. Liverpool‘s former No. 66 is a special footballer, and Arne Slot is yet to work out a way to countenance his exit.

The Dutchman is yet to settle on either Bradley or Frimpong as his regular at right-back, with both struggling for both form and fitness in the early part of the season.

The latter has now become an issue for Frimpong once again, after the 24-year-old limped off during Liverpool’s win over Eintracht Frankfurt in midweek. With his competition sidelined, supporters are set to get an answer on whether Bradley is the answer once and for all.

Conor Bradley set for run at right-back

According to Dutch outlet NOS, Frimpong may be missing until after the November international break.

While that has the potential to be a real problem for Liverpool – who play five more times before then – it represents a real opportunity for Bradley.

READ MORE: Is Mohamed Salah finished as a regular starter for Liverpool after eight glorious years?

Given Frimpong’s potential to also play further up the field, the Northern Irishman has felt like being Slot’s choice as a regular right-back.

However, Bradley has not covered himself in glory so far this season, being hauled off at half time on two separate occasions.

The opening has been there for him to cement his place in the side, but he just has not convincingly been able to take it.

Bradley was better against Eintracht in midweek, showcasing exactly the kind of performance that will give Liverpool fans hope he can be the long-term answer for Slot.

Without Frimpong to worry about, the 22-year-old has a free run at nailing down that spot in the team. Do it, and he can potentially become a Liverpool starter for years into the future. Fail, and he may never get as good a chance again.

Is Bradley good enough to be a regular in the Liverpool XI?

Until Bradley puts together a consistent run in the Liverpool team, there will continue to be question marks over his true quality.

The youngster has not pushed on in the manner many expected since an exciting breakthrough under Jurgen Klopp in 2023/24 and has not grasped his opportunity since Alexander-Arnold’s exit.

Nevertheless, he has continued to be excellent for Northern Ireland. Bradley was described as ‘unbelievable‘ during the October international break, and he is clearly a cut above in Michael O’Neil’s squad.

If he can translate that form to Liverpool over the next month or so, he will get supporters excited and feeling more comfortable about having him in the team.

But if he cannot, the door will still be open for Frimpong upon his return. Time is on his side, but the next period will be make or break for Bradley.