As a boyhood Liverpool fan, Conor Bradley can relate to those sitting in the Kop End more than most of his teammates.
His style of play – the boundless enthusiasm, freedom to express himself, and absence of fear when both attacking and defending – suggests that Bradley is fulfilling his childhood dreams. This may be why he is quickly becoming a fan favorite.
That love afair can turn nasty, though, as Bradley’s predecessor in the right-back slot knows. Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s hostile reception at Anfield last week caused a media storm and divided a usually harmonious fanbase.
It’s an emotive and complicated subject. A book could be written on the depth of feeling among Liverpool fans and why the 26-year-old’s departure has stirred up such disappointment.
But in a nutshell, the anger comes from supporters’ utter disbelief that a Liverpool fan – one of their own – would want to walk away at the beginning of what could just be a successful period for the club.
There’s hope that the 2024/25 Premier League is the first of many triumphs under Arne Slot. Could the Dutchman even oversee a new golden era at Anfield? Alexander-Arnold isn’t sticking about to find out, but Bradley is.
The academy graduate has penned a new four-year deal and looks set to compete for a starting berth with Jeremie Frimpong next season. Fans are hoping to see that youthful exuberance transform into mastered maturity.
(Image: Getty Images)
So does Bradley, who also feels Liverpool could be on the verge of something special. “I think that’s the main thing for us now, we want to make this continued success,” he told LFCTV, as his extension was confirmed.
“We don’t want to just have one Premier League trophy, we want to have multiple and we want to win Champions Leagues and FA Cups and Carabao Cups. We’ve just got to keep being hungry for more success and I’m pretty sure with the squad we have that we will continue to be that.”
“To play even more games but also to win more trophies,” Bradley added. “I think the whole point of playing football is obviously to win trophies and be successful.
“So the more of them we can win, the better it will be for me and the whole team. Hopefully, if we can keep doing that it’ll be a good next few years at the club.”
(Image: PA)
Now that’s a boyhood Red fans can relate to. That he is also developing into an elite player helps his status among supporters.
At 21, Bradley has already captained his country, won an international Player of the Year Award and earned two Carabao Cup winners’ medals and one in the FA Cup. Next Sunday, a Premier League edition will be added to his burgeoning collection.
“I think another thing you dream of when you’re younger is getting your hands on the Premier League trophy and on a medal as well.
“I think it will be so special when we do get the trophy. Obviously all our hard work has been worthwhile and we’ve won the league, which is so good.”
Bradley has certainly earned his medal after an excellent campaign, even though he has mainly operated in a back-up role. That might not be the case when Liverpool next wins a major honor.
