Liverpool vs Real Madrid: The Spanish press WELCOMES the Reds’ prodigy that Mbappe has ENDED

Conor Bradley locks up Kylian Mbappe

With all the headlines and pre-match speculation surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold and a potential move to Real Madrid, it was poetic that his understudy Conor Bradley would be on everyone’s lips.

Facing one of the best strikers in the world in French World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe, the young Northern Irish full-back had a significant task ahead of him if Liverpool were to get anything out of the game.

And to say he delivered a masterclass doesn’t quite do his efforts justice.

Bradley was always careful to keep his position stable and not fall into the trap of committing too early to allow Mbappe to dribble past him.

His final tackle in front of the Kop End fans will be remembered by Liverpool fans for years to come.

And so his performance stood out in the Spanish media.

In MARCA’s player ratings of the 15-time Champions League winner, Mbappe was vilified for his efforts, which Bradley largely suppressed over the course of the night.

They said: “He ran with a lot of pace but was found by a great performance from Conor Bradley.”

“Nothing worked, the team looked for him but couldn’t find him, and when he had to defend himself, he didn’t.”

Not bad for a 21-year-old young player from Liverpool’s academy who was only playing the third Champions League game of his career.

Liverpool’s full-back dilemma

With Kelleher’s excellent form in goal continuing last night while Alisson Becker remains out through injury, Liverpool will have a difficult decision to make when both players are finally fit to play again.

And the same dilemma is starting to spread among Arne Slot’s right-backs.

In Trent’s absence due to injury, Bradley delivered a performance that Trent found difficult to match, even though we all know he is more than capable of it.

If both are fit, it’s likely that Slot will opt for Trent, but last night we got a real insight into how Liverpool could compete with the best even without him in the team, which could be a situation the Reds have to deal with for a long time have to fight – term if the England international decides to leave Merseyside.

His contract negotiations have been going on for some time and we still don’t know if we’re anywhere close to a resolution any time soon.

Liverpool were hopeful that Trent could be fit for Sunday’s game against Manchester City at Anfield after the defender was sidelined for a few weeks with a hamstring strain.

At his best he is still Arne Slot’s preferred choice on the right wing and although this would be a huge blow to Bradley, who is currently dealing with a minor injury scare of his own, the Northern Irishman has shown that he can be trusted when he does is asked.