Attacking full-backs are hardly a novel phenomenon these days. But Conor Bradley, on loan at Bolton Wanderers from Premier League giants Liverpool, appears to be taking his offensive duties very seriously indeed. Putting the ‘wing’ in wing-back, if you like.
In his latest all-action display, Bradley scored once and set up another in Bolton’s 3-1 victory over Charlton Athletic on Saturday; a fixture that will have Gen Zs everywhere pining for Ivan Campo and Claus Jensen. On another day, Bradley could have had a hat-trick.
After cancelling out Charlton’s opener, the 21-year-old inadvertently set up Kieran Lee’s tap-in with a cross-cum-shot. And if Bradley had connected with a wonderful left-wing cross in the second half, the young defender on loan from Liverpool would have ended the weekend with more club goals this season than a certain Mo Salah.
Conor Bradley shining on loan at Bolton Wanderers from Liverpool
Much has been made of Salah’s sluggish start to the new campaign. But if three goals by early September is viewed as a disaster for Liverpool’s number 11, it’s nothing short of a dream for a young Northern Ireland international who seems to share Trent Alexander-Arnold’s knack for making his mark in the final third.
“I don’t want to build him up to fail. But Conor is a top player,” says Trotters coach Ian Evatt of Bradley, who has now been joined at the University of Bolton Stadium by fellow Anfield prospect Owen Beck.
“He has got the attributes and more importantly the mindset and attitude to go right to the very top.
“There is a long way to go and it is competitive up there. But the family he has behind him, and the attitude he has got, he has a real opportunity.
“The one thing Liverpool do is keep their players humble, hungry and hard working. We have two gems with us for now and we must enjoy them while they are here.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
