Arne Slot has addressed issues over Conor Bradley‘s accidents if he takes over as Liverpool’s first-choice right-back, insisting he views him as a “common starter.”
With Trent Alexander-Arnold set to depart for Actual Madrid in the summertime, Liverpool will see a major change on the right-hand facet of their defence.
Whereas there was hypothesis over a transfer for a brand new first selection, the extra doubtless situation seems to be Bradley taking on on a full-time foundation.
That might be a priority given the 21-year-old has suffered 4 completely different prolonged accidents in two seasons within the first staff, lacking 47 video games for membership and nation as he grows into his physique.
However talking forward of Liverpool’s conflict with West Ham, Slot insisted Bradley isn’t merely a 20-game-a-season participant.
“I don’t have a look at Conor as a participant who can solely play 20 video games a season as a result of final season he was match all through and this season he’s had two accidents,” he mentioned per the Mirror‘s Simon Mullock.
“I feel we will solely decide Conor on his health if he’s adequate, which I feel he’s, to turn out to be a daily starter for us.”
These phrases would recommend Slot views Bradley as a successor to Alexander-Arnold within the beginning spot – which, given the No. 66 is sidelined with an ankle harm, may start in these closing seven video games of the season.
Nonetheless there might be requires a brand new right-back to be introduced in as cowl, with Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah each pure centre-backs.
Quansah is attracting £30 million curiosity from Newcastle this summer time, whereas Gomez virtually made the transfer to St James’ Park on the eve of the present marketing campaign, whereas there are few real choices within the academy bar 17-year-old prodigy DJ Esdaille.
However as he continued to emphasize it didn’t should be a “busy summer time,” Slot did point out that Gomez may stay within the plans for right-back.
“There usually are not so many causes to make it a busy summer time as a result of we’re fairly well-placed within the league and we’ve solely misplaced within the Champions League towards an unimaginable facet who we had been higher than for 90 minutes at our stadium,” he defined.
“Conor, I feel, has solely had one or two accidents this season and was match for many of the season earlier than.
“Joe has a bit extra of a historical past of accidents, however it’s additionally very troublesome for a participant like him [to stay fit] as a result of he’s been out and in of the staff greater than he may need.
“To maintain these gamers match is all the time tougher than those who play virtually each recreation.”
Liverpool are anticipated to strengthen on the alternative defensive flank with a brand new left-back introduced in to compete with Andy Robertson, with Bournemouth‘s Milos Kerkez the more than likely arrival.
