Paul Merson has given his verdict on Liverpool right-back Conor Bradley ahead of the match against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
The former Arsenal star and Sky Sports pundit has suggested that Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp may have to drop Bradley for the game against the Gunners in North London.
So, what has Paul Merson said about Conor Bradley? Let’s take a look.
Paul Merson suggests Conor Bradley should be rested vs Arsenal
Well, Liverpool will lock horns with Arsenal away from home at the Emirates Stadium in North London in the Premier League on Sunday.
Jurgen Klopp’s side will head into the match against Arsenal on the back of a 4-1 victory over Chelsea at Anfield in the league.
Conor Bradley started for Liverpool at right-back. Trent Alexander-Arnold replaced him on 68 minutes.
Bradley was the star of the show for the Reds. The 20-year-old Northern Ireland international right-back scored a goal and gave two assists. Jamie Carragher enjoyed his performance.
While former Arsenal star Paul Merson has been hugely impressed by Bradley, the Sky Sports pundit has suggested that Klopp should give him a rest against the Gunners and play Alexander-Arnold instead, noting that Gabriel Martinelli will start for the Gunners.
Merson said about Bradley on Sky Sports News (12:41 pm February 3, 2024): “He looks a good player. It’s just getting the right timing of giving him a rest in the team. He’s done so well but it’s so different from League One and now you’re in the Premier League, with the concentration levels.
“But I’ve loved watching him play. Some of his passing, his intelligence, he’s playing like a 26, 27-year-old. But, another hard game tomorrow against Martinelli.
“It’s just how long is it going to be when it’s just 45 minutes too much. The games he’s played in, and you’ve got Trent waiting to come in as one of the best in the business so it’s hard.”
My View: Keep Conor Bradley in the Liverpool starting lineup
In my opinion, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp should keep Conor Bradley in the starting lineup against Arsenal.
Yes, Gabriel Martinelli is a force to be reckoned with and is back in form, but Bradley’s confidence is high after a brilliant performance against Chelsea.
If the youngster did struggle in the opening 30 minutes, then Klopp could bring on Alexander-Arnold in his place.
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