How Liverpool REALLY feel about Trent Alexander-Arnold successor

Liverpool have been heavily linked with signing Jeremie Frimpong in recent days. Things are moving quickly between the Reds and the Bayer Leverkusen right wing-back, following the announcement that Trent Alexander-Arnold would be leaving.

Alexander-Arnold, 26, has opted to let his contract expire - paving the way for a money-spinning deal to join Real Madrid.

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Dutch international Frimpong appears the chosen one to come into the club. A €30 million release clause in his Leverkusen contract looks attractive for buying clubs and Liverpool won’t pass up the opportunity to sign a world-class performer.

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But where does all of this leave Conor Bradley?

The Northern Ireland international has filled in well for the Reds over the last 18 months or so - appearing over 50 times for the first team and starring against the likes of Kylian Mbappe.

It was initially assumed that Bradley would take over from fellow academy graduate Alexander-Arnold but the links to Frimpong put that succession plan in jeopardy.

Liverpool back Bradley

Liverpool nonetheless back Bradley, according to a report in the Times from Paul Joyce.

“Liverpool believe that Bradley boasts the attributes and mentality to step into the void which will be left by Alexander-Arnold,” Joyce states.

“He is more athletic but not as naturally creative on the ball. Given the unforgiving nature of the Premier League, there will be times when the scrutiny falls on him just as it did on his predecessor.”

So why sign a competitor for the position?

Well, first off, Frimpong is not a natural right-back. He plays most often on the right side of Leverkusen’s midfield. He is a keen dribbler and a creator. His job is not to “defend” first and foremost.

This season he’s got five Bundesliga goals and five assists. His statistics in the successful dribbles, touches in the box and possessions won in the final third categories are outstanding - and more in line with what Arne Slot might expect from his wingers.

There exists the possibility that Frimpong plays higher up the pitch and not necessarily in the “number 2” position for the Reds.

Bradley can learn from Frimpong

Even so, having two players for right-back makes sense. This is the norm at most top clubs - Liverpool included. And Bradley has missed a significant number of matches since his breakthrough under Jurgen Klopp due to injury.

He’s had a couple of spells on the sidelines this season and appeared to be tiring in the weekend draw against Arsenal before being replaced by Trent.

Plus, Joyce’s reference to the scrutiny he will be under helps explain the decision further. At 21, Bradley is relatively inexperienced. It might help his development to have a seasoned professional like Frimpong beside him.

He’s won a Bundesliga title - completing a double under Xabi Alonso last season - and is turning 25 in December. Frimpong is a player at the peak of his powers - whose acquisition was perhaps irresistible given his price tag.

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But Bradley is going to stay having impressed under Arne Slot thus far. Liverpool believed in him when Trent was ahead of him in the queue and things won’t change if Frimpong arrives.