Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp lavishes praise on ‘exceptional’ Conor Bradley after performance against Fulham
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp embraces Northern Ireland defender Conor Bradley after their Carabao Cup win over Fulham
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has described Northern Ireland defender Conor Bradley as “exceptional” after his performance in their 2-1 Carabao Cup Semi-Final first leg victory against Fulham on Wednesday night.
The 20-year-old from Castlederg was called into the line-up for only his fifth senior start in the absence of the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold and thrived, putting in one of the best performances on the pitch at Anfield.
The Reds had fallen behind to Willian’s opener for the visitors, but goals from Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo have given them a slender advantage heading into the second leg at Craven Cottage.
And Klopp was quick to pour praise onto his young defender, claiming Bradley gave so much he wouldn’t have been surprised if the 13-times capped Northern Ireland international needed a rest immediately after the game.
"He will (sleep well tonight)," Klopp told Sky Sports. "I'm not sure if Conor Bradley makes it home. He might fall asleep in the dressing room, exceptional. What a boy, a fantastic character, with intelligence, top potential.
"And he's in the right team because everybody loves him, everybody respects him, everybody wants him to succeed so it was a great game with all the difficulties of every football game.
"I was waiting for the moment we could give him an opportunity. Today was intense for him. Someone has to drive him home hopefully. He gave absolutely everything. It's really nice to see. He could show how good he already is. So much more to come."
With Alexander-Arnold, Andy Robertson, Kostas Tsimikas and Joel Matip all out injured, it was believed Liverpool would dip
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