Liverpool now have another star just ‘like Steven Gerrard’ after contract news
Steven Gerrard is a Liverpool legend, nobody can doubt that.
The former Reds skipper led the Merseyside outfit to the Champions League in 2005, an FA Cup and several more trophies in his 710 appearances.
His illustrious Anfield career ended in 2015 but he is still as revered around these parts as his glory days, and is often labelled as ‘Mr Liverpool’ for his refusal to leave his boyhood club, despite offers from the likes of Chelsea and Real Madrid.
Conor Bradley compared to Gerrard live on air
Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to leave the Reds when his contract expires in the summer, with a move to the Spanish capital on the cards.
That is the complete opposite of Bradley, who was delighted to sign a new long-term contract recently.
Former Chelsea star Tony Cascarino believes that Arne Slot does not need to replace Alexander-Arnold, as Bradley is more than capable, even comparing him to Gerrard for his all-or-nothing style of play.
Speaking on talkSPORT (24 May, 6:44 am), he said: “No, I think Conor Bradley will be an absolute star.
“As long as he can avoid injuries, that is the only downside that I am seeing; he gets injuries a lot, because he is so tenacious.
“He is like Steven Gerrard as a full-back, he flies into everything, high-tempo, I think he has got a big future.”
Liverpool cannot rely on Bradley right now
The Northern Ireland international is one of the most promising defenders in the game, but he is not ready for a regular first-team starting berth at the moment.
He regularly spends time on the sidelines with injury and that is probably why the L4 outfit are looking to bring in Jeremie Frimpong, to rotate with the 21-year-old depending on the game state or opposition.
| Stats | Bradley |
| Matches | 56 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 11 |
| Minutes played | 3,106 |
The academy graduate is far from the finished article, but the future is bright for him, and he will get an opportunity to make the position his own, as Slot believes in his talent.
Alexander-Arnold was raw when he first came into Jurgen Klopp‘s team, but within a few months, he was indispensable as his talent on the ball was clear; the same could happen for Bradley once he is given his opportunity.
He is a more conventional full-back than the Three Lions ace and Frimpong, arguably a better defender but with less attacking threat, so there will be times when Slot relies on him over the new man and vice versa.
Ultimately, the England star’s departure will give him a chance to shine; he just has to take it with both hands and hope that his body can deal with the additional responsibility that has been placed on his shoulders.