Conor Bradley keeps pressure on Trent Alexander-Arnold in Liverpool battle

Conor Bradley has a great chance of establishing himself as a regular in the Liverpool team under new head coach Arne Slot next season.

That is the view of former Reds captain Sami Hyypia who believes the Northern Ireland international is the standout name among many young talents at the Anfield outfit to watch out for in the 2024/25 campaign.

The 21-year-old broke into the team last season as a result of an injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold. And to his credit, the youngster seized the opportunity with both hands as a goal and two assists in the 4-1 win over Chelsea being the highlight of his extended run in the side.

With the England international away on holiday after his Euro 2024 excursions, Bradley was handed a start in the Reds' first game of their United States tour against Real Betis and once again caught the eye as he combined well with Mohamed Salah down the right-hand side and created some good chances.

In the process he caught the eye of a Liverpool hero.

"I would say [Conor] Bradley," Hyypia told DK Pittsburgh Sports following Liverpool's 1-0 win. "I would say he did well last season in the games he was there, so I think he has a great chance to be a regular in the team."

Of course, Bradley's minutes next season will largely depend on what happens with Alexander-Arnold who is likely to stay at the club for the campaign despite talk of an 'agreement' to join Real Madrid in the summer of 2025.

As the 25-year-old has long been tipped for a midfield role, a permanent switch would be beneficial for Bradley as it would open up an opportunity at right-back, although he could possibly operate further forward having scored his first Northern Ireland goal against Scotland in March whilst playing as a right winger.

Hyypia "very impressed" by Bradley

Nevertheless, after seeing Bradley in action live for the first time, Hyypia's stamp of approval indicates it's even more evident that Alexander-Arnold has a battle on his hands to keep hold of the right-back birth.

"I was very impressed. It’s the first time live I’ve seen him and he was tremendous," Hyypia noted, as per Liverpool World.

"Full of energy and a lot of touches. He went forward all of the time."