Arne Slot has given a strong indication that he sees Conor Bradley as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s heir apparent, especially after asserting that the Reds are unlikely to be active in the upcoming summer transfer market.
Bradley’s campaign to prove himself as a worthy replacement for the Real Madrid-bound Alexander-Arnold has been undermined by two injuries this term. Additionally, Joe Gomez, another member of the defensive lineup, has encountered his own fitness problems.
However, Slot believes both have borne the consequences of sporadic team involvement – and the Dutch coach hinted at minimal alterations to his squad, which is currently on course for the Premier League crown, particularly with Mohamed Salah extending his contract and captain Virgil van Dijk anticipated to do the same.
Slot commented: “There are not so many reasons to make it a busy summer because we are quite well-placed in the league and we have only lost in the Champions League against an incredible side who we were better than for 90 minutes at our stadium.
“Conor, I think, has only had one or two injuries this season and was fit for most of the season before. Joe has a bit more of a history of injuries, but it’s also very difficult for a player like him (to stay fit) because he’s been in and out of the team more than he might want.
“To keep those players fit is always more difficult than the ones who play almost every game. I don’t look at Conor as a player who can only play 20 games a season because last season he was fit all the way through and this season he’s had two injuries.
“I think we can only judge Conor on his fitness if he is good enough, which I think he is, to become a regular starter for us.”
Bradley, aged 21, has quickly become a favourite among the Anfield faithful with his forward surges and penchant for a crunching tackle, proving himself a reliable stand-in for Alexander-Arnold when needed.
He’s just made a comeback from a hamstring issue but has been restricted to a mere nine starts this campaign. Meanwhile, Gomez has been sidelined since February after an operation to mend a hamstring injury.
Bradley is expected to return to the Liverpool starting line up against West Ham on Sunday after making his injury return at Fulham. Curtis Jones had deputized for that game, and the win over Everton, but Bradley looked more assured at Craven Cottage.
