21 February 2024 , 02:00
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Jurgen Klopp has been warned that Conor Bradley needs to be protected to prevent him from becoming fatigued - just as he was previously advised about Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Bradley has impressed since the turn of the year, starting seven games since New Year's Day. He has scored once and notched five assists to mark himself out as the likely long-term replacement for Alexander-Arnold at right-back.
While he has starred in recent weeks, former Liverpool star Gary McAllister believes the Reds need to be careful. McAllister has warned Bradley could become burnt out if Klopp does not manage him properly.
“Bradley is such a breath of fresh air. He's so fearless in his passing, and he manages to drive the team from right-back. Trent is a few years older than him, and they're probably helping each other," McAllister told Lord Ping.
"Jurgen has a tough decision in front of him as they're both fantastic players! Connor Bradley seems to grow every game and get better and better. He was breathtaking against Chelsea. It's great to see a player properly arrive.
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"It was fantastic to see. There are definitely options open for Trent and Connor Bradley to play together. We do, however, need to consider how experienced Jurgen is in protecting young players.
“Bradley will be on a massive high, but there will be times when rotation is needed. It's not a case of Bradley taking on too much too soon, but young players need to be handled when big games are ahead."
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Bradley has starred for Liverpool since breaking into the first-team (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)The issue around managing Bradley's game-time comes three years after Klopp was told Alexander-Arnold was looking "fried". Former Reds star Jason McAteer pointed out the right-back had gone off the boil.
"Trent's best qualities are when he goes forward. His crossing and fitness are sublime, but defensively there are question marks over him. There have been games this season where he has lacked quality," McAteer told FreeSuperTips in 2021.
"Which is surprising given how high he has set his own bar for performances. But when you're in the media spotlight playing for Liverpool and you don't reach the level of performance that you did previously, you are going to get scrutinised.
"What Liverpool have done under Klopp in the last few seasons is brilliant, and there was bound to be a drop-off point somewhere. When a player is slightly older and more into their career, you can handle it better.
"But with Trent, he's young, he's played football at the highest level and playing every week. It's a lot of mental pressure for a young player to deal with. He looks worn out mentally and physically, and his brain looks fried."
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