Conor Bradley tipped to follow in Alexander-Arnold’s footsteps as Liverpool prepare for life after their homegrown icon
In a week that has already seen emotions run high at Anfield, new Liverpool boss Arne Slot has sparked yet more debate – this time not about himself, but about the man he believes can replace one of the club’s most iconic modern players.
With Trent Alexander-Arnold officially announcing his departure from Liverpool after two decades at the club, fans have been wondering who could possibly fill the void. But Arne Slot, calm and composed, is already looking ahead. And in his eyes, the answer is already in the squad: Conor Bradley.
Slot didn’t just praise the 21-year-old Northern Irishman. He compared him – with no small amount of admiration – to one of the standout full-backs of the modern game: Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi, a player set to feature in this year’s Champions League final.
“Conor is in his own league” – Arne Slot makes bold Hakimi comparison
“They all run a lot, but Conor is in his own league,” Arne Slot said during a media session at the AXA Training Centre earlier this week. “Comparable maybe with Hakimi at PSG. He is everywhere during the game as well.”
That’s no small compliment. Hakimi, after all, has carved a reputation as one of the most dynamic right-backs in world football. His performance against Arsenal in PSG’s semi-final win – where he scored the second goal and constantly terrorised the Gunners down the right – underlined his pedigree on the biggest stage.
But Arne Slot is well aware that comparisons, while flattering, need to be grounded in reality.
“Hakimi is 26,” he continued. “He is much more used to doing this every single week. Conor needs time, and a good programme to keep him fit.”
Bradley’s breakthrough and the trust of the manager
Slot’s belief in Bradley doesn’t come out of nowhere. The full-back had a breakthrough campaign last season, stepping up impressively when Alexander-Arnold was sidelined through injury.
He started key matches, showed maturity beyond his years, and demonstrated the kind of high-intensity pressing, overlapping runs, and defensive solidity that Liverpool fans have come to expect from the position. His performances weren’t just solid—they were often exceptional, especially considering his age and lack of top-level experience.
“He’s shown already that he belongs here,” Arne Slot remarked. “We have confidence in Conor as a very good full-back for Liverpool.”
Still, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Bradley suffered a muscular injury midway through the season, which forced Arne Slot into a defensive reshuffle. At various points, Joe Gomez, Jarell Quansah, and even midfielder Curtis Jones had to deputise at right-back.
“For any player to become very good, the first thing is availability,” Arne Slot said matter-of-factly. “That’s the step he has to take next season.”
Life after Trent: The end of an era
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure marks the end of an extraordinary chapter for Liverpool. A Scouser through and through, he became the creative heartbeat of the team from right-back — a rare blend of vision, passing range, and attacking instinct that redefined the role in the modern game.
He leaves a void not just in the line-up but in the identity of the club. And Arne Slot knows it.
“We are going to miss a very good human being and a very, very, very good full-back,” he admitted. “We tried to keep him here. If that does not work out, of course, you are disappointed.”
The club had reportedly made significant efforts to convince Alexander-Arnold to sign a new deal, but the England international felt the time was right for a new challenge.
From Keegan to Dalglish, Klopp to Arne Slot – the Liverpool cycle
Slot, only recently appointed himself as Jürgen Klopp’s successor, was quick to remind fans that Liverpool has survived — and even thrived — through major changes before.
“There were quite a lot of questions about me replacing Jürgen, and there were so many examples of people leaving this club,” he said. “Kevin Keegan left, Kenny Dalglish arrived. We all felt disappointed, we felt sad, but we know this club will generate new stars again.”
It’s a message rooted in the club’s rich history — the idea that no one is bigger than the institution, and that the next legend is always just around the corner. It’s also a subtle call for patience: trust the process, believe in the vision.
Slot’s words aren’t just PR fluff. Behind the scenes, Liverpool have been planning for this transition. The club’s reputation for shrewd development and data-driven decisions has been a hallmark of their recent success, and Bradley’s rise feels like part of that long-term plan.
A natural successor — or a gamble?
Still, it’s worth asking: can Bradley really step into Alexander-Arnold’s shoes?
On the one hand, Bradley’s engine, work rate, and commitment are clear assets. He fits the pressing ethos. He loves a duel. And he’s got that burst of acceleration that can unbalance a defensive shape.
On the other hand, Alexander-Arnold wasn’t just a good full-back — he was a tactical cheat code. His ability to dictate play from deep, whip in world-class crosses, and play devastating long balls created an entirely new attacking dimension.
Bradley might not offer that — at least not yet.
Slot, though, doesn’t seem worried. He knows his job now is to evolve Liverpool’s style to suit the players he has, not simply clone what came before. “We build systems to suit the talent,” he said last week. “And this club has no shortage of talent.”
Final thoughts: The beginning of Bradley’s Anfield story
The coming season will be huge for Conor Bradley. With Alexander-Arnold gone and no immediate big-money replacement lined up, the stage is set. Arne Slot’s vote of confidence is clear, but the Premier League is an unforgiving environment. He will need to stay fit, stay focused, and seize his opportunity.
Liverpool fans, used to the highs of title wins and Champions League finals, may need to temper their expectations — just a little — as the Arne Slot era begins and the next generation steps forward.
But if Arne Slot is right — if Conor Bradley really is Liverpool’s answer to Hakimi — then the post-Trent future might not be quite so daunting after all.
