By Lewis Thompson
Trent Alexander-Arnold has praised the ongoing development of Conor Bradley and Liverpool’s academy in a recent interview with the club.
Bradley was handed his first Premier League start in a 4-0 win at Bournemouth in January, during which he assisted Diogo Jota’s third goal at the Vitality Stadium.
The Northern Irishman has since scored his first senior goal for the Reds and collected a further four assists in three appearances while helping his side reach the Carabao Cup final along the way.
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“He’s done a credit to himself and all the hard work he has put in,” Trent said speaking to Liverpoolfc.com.
“The way he’s stepped up and performed was incredible, we see it day in and day out in training how good he is and how good the rest of the young lads are.
“It’s a very, very good time for the Academy.”
Jurgen Klopp expressed his admiration for the 20-year-old from the very first day during his post-match press conference after Bradley scored in a 4-1 victory over Chelsea at Anfield.
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When Trent had a spell on the sidelines following a knee injury at the start of the year, Bradley more than justified his spot as a credible back-up option in right back, with fans claiming he was undroppable due to his impressive performances.
The No.66 knows exactly what it is like to come through the youth team, with himself emerging through the ranks in recent years.
“It’s hard to compare yourself because you never know how good you actually are and you just want to keep playing,” Trent added when asked about similarities between him and Bradley.
“You’re just focused on breaking into the team, performing, and being part of the first team – you don’t have time to think about anything else.”
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Liverpool welcome Burnley to Anfield on Saturday, and Klopp will be forced to make changes due to yet another injury setback for Thiago, who made his first appearance in red since April 2023 as a substitute against Arsenal on Sunday.
Thiago’s hamstring injury appears more serious than initially believed and the 32-year-old may have played his last game for Liverpool, as his contract is set to expire this summer.
????️ Thiago's latest injury (hamstring) is a pretty serious one, raising the possibility that he's played his last game for Liverpool ????#LFC ????https://t.co/zTigNywRAK pic.twitter.com/jWtinRHlkS
— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) February 9, 2024
With the likes of Dominic Szoboszlai currently out injured, we could see Klopp start Trent in midfield for the first time against Burnley on Saturday.
Wataru Endo is also in contention for Saturday following his involvement as captain of Japan in the Asian Cup.
Vincent Kompany’s men sit 19th in the Premier League, winless in their last five, while Liverpool are two points clear of Manchester City, who play Everton in the early kick-off tomorrow.
“It’s always a frustrating time when you’re out, [you’re] just so envious of not being able to play.
“It’s good to be back in and around the lads, being around it, travelling, it feels good to be back out there,” Trent added.
