Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Fall and Conor Bradley’s Rise
Phil McNulty writes about the stark contrast between Conor Bradley’s emergence and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decline at Liverpool. Bradley, energized by Anfield’s full support, represented Liverpool’s future, while Alexander-Arnold faced a harsh and hostile reminder of his fall from grace.
Bradley as Alexander-Arnold’s Successor
From the moment Alexander-Arnold announced his departure to Real Madrid, Bradley was seen as his natural successor. When Liverpool and Real Madrid met in the Champions League, the clash highlighted this generational shift.
A Symbol of Liverpool’s Revival
The 22-year-old Northern Ireland right-back was a standout figure in a Liverpool performance reminiscent of their Premier League title-winning standards, decisively overcoming Real Madrid.
The Fans’ Reaction Toward Alexander-Arnold
Alexander-Arnold, who began the match on the bench, faced clear hostility from fans who once celebrated him as “the Scouser in our team.”
“It was a day of unrelenting ill-feeling aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction, from his mural near Anfield being vandalised with the words ‘Adios El Rata’ before the game to the Anfield anger provoked by what many Liverpool fans regard as his betrayal.”
Bradley’s Impact on the Match
Bradley intensified the resentment toward Alexander-Arnold by delivering a dominant performance, effectively neutralizing the threat of Vinicius Jr., who was left relying on poor theatrics rather than impact on the game.
“Bradley actually fuelled the fury and scorn aimed in Alexander-Arnold's direction with a magnificent display that reduced the formidable Vinicius Jr to a passenger, only able to offer theatrics – poor theatrics at that – in the face of the youngster's physical dominance.”
Author's summary: Conor Bradley’s impressive display symbolizes Liverpool’s future, sharply contrasting with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s alienation after his controversial move to Real Madrid.