Ian Wright hails Conor Bradley’s maturity as Liverpool right-back continues to impress
Liverpool’s recent resurgence under Arne Slot has been marked by the emergence of several standout performers, but few have caught the eye quite like Conor Bradley. Following a commanding display against Real Madrid, former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has suggested that the Northern Irish defender is on the brink of reaching another level at Anfield.
Ian Wright backs Bradley for bigger things
Speaking after Liverpool’s European clash, Wright praised Bradley’s composure and tactical awareness when faced with one of world football’s most dangerous wingers. The 22-year-old was tasked with containing Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr — a challenge that would unsettle most full-backs — yet Bradley rose to the occasion with remarkable assurance.
Wright, discussing the player’s progress on the Stick to Football podcast, said the performance would have done wonders for Bradley’s confidence. “That’s what you want — seeing him up against a winger like that. It takes him to another level in terms of belief because he did everything right. He was brilliant to watch,” Wright remarked.
The ex-England international’s words echo the sentiment shared by many Liverpool supporters, who view Bradley as one of the most exciting defensive prospects to emerge from the club’s academy in recent years.
Rising above competition and expectation
Bradley’s rise has not been without its challenges. When Jeremie Frimpong arrived at Anfield last summer, the expectation was that the Dutchman would make the right-back role his own. However, injury setbacks and inconsistent form have allowed Bradley to stake his claim more convincingly than ever.
Coming into the 2025–26 campaign, Bradley could have been forgiven for feeling uncertain about his place in Slot’s plans. Yet through consistency, discipline and sheer determination, he has reasserted himself as a key figure in Liverpool’s defensive structure.
His display against Madrid was a reflection of his growing maturity — winning crucial duels, maintaining defensive shape, and showing excellent decision-making in possession. It wasn’t just a performance defined by tackles or interceptions, but by poise under pressure and intelligent positioning.
Slot’s defensive decisions shaping Liverpool’s identity
Arne Slot’s early months at Liverpool have seen experimentation across his back line, particularly in the right-back area. With Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure and injuries disrupting plans, the Dutch coach even utilised Dominik Szoboszlai as a makeshift full-back earlier in the season.
That tactical shuffle highlighted Liverpool’s depth but also their uncertainty in key positions. Now, Bradley’s assured presence is helping restore stability. His balance of defensive reliability and attacking support gives Slot the flexibility to focus on structure elsewhere on the pitch.
Even when Frimpong returns to full fitness, Slot faces a difficult decision. Dropping Bradley — especially after such a display — would risk unsettling the defensive rhythm Liverpool have begun to rediscover.
Bradley’s next test against Manchester City
Liverpool’s upcoming Premier League encounter with Manchester City promises to be another significant test for Bradley. Facing Pep Guardiola’s intricate attacking setup will demand the same concentration and tenacity that defined his showing against Madrid.
Yet if he can replicate even part of that performance, Liverpool will feel confident about their prospects. More importantly, Bradley himself will continue to build the self-belief that Wright highlighted — the kind of inner conviction that turns potential into permanence.
For a player still in the early stages of his career, Bradley’s ceiling appears remarkably high. His journey from academy hopeful to Anfield regular has been steady, and under Slot’s guidance, he could soon become one of the Premier League’s most complete right-backs.
