Conor Bradley’s rise to the top: Why Liverpool believes he can be Trent Alexander-Arnold's successor

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After failing to start any of the campaign's first 15 Premier League or Champions League matches, the academy gradute had grown unsure whether Jurgen Klopp's successor truly rated him.

Ahead of a Carabao Cup tie in September, Bradley said: "I'm just waiting patiently for my chance and hopefully, when it comes, I'll be able to take it and do the best I can."

He duly did, grasping the initiative when Alexander-Arnold hobbled off against Aston Villa on November 11?



After returning from Bolton, a stress fracture in Bradley's back meant his first appearance of the campaign was delayed until November 30.

Even more dishearteningly, the injury occurred just weeks after Klopp decided the Northern Ireland protegee would be part of his senior squad for the upcoming season, while the club opted to send fellow right-back Calvin Ramsay out on loan.

Klopp had already taken a shine to Bradley.

"You wouldn't know he was a Premier League footballer," said one interviewee familiar with the inner workings of Kirkby and Anfield.

"He could be the kitman or the gardener."

Bradley has become a go-to for the media teams at both Liverpool and Northern Ireland.

She is still the player's agent today, but likes to remain in the background.

"He's a product of his environment, and I still just think of Conor as a normal lad from County Tyrone," explained one person who has grown to know Bradley well in recent years.

Family is still a hugely instrumental pillar of Bradley's life and he'll often return home quietly without any fanfare.

His bond with Northern Ireland remains strong six years after moving to Liverpool.

Many see him as the brightest young talent since Jonny Evans, who could go on to be one of his country's greatest.

"He might already be a Northern Ireland legend," said current international team-mate Terry Devlin, who also played alongside Bradley as a child