Conor Bradley goes above and beyond again to prompt Liverpool position change question

Liverpool defender Conor Bradley scored both goals for Northern Ireland in a 2-0 win over Andorra on Tuesday, although fans couldn't work out which position he was playing.

The 20-year-old got a real taste for first-team soccer last season when filling in for the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold, and he's already become a key player for his national team. Like Alexander-Arnold, Bradley has an eye for goals and assists and is eager to push forward whenever possible.

Bradley was listed as a wing-back on Tuesday when facing Andorra, but appeared to be playing right-wing/striker as his No. 2 jersey was often in a very unusual part of the field. Alexander-Arnold will play in midfield for England at Euro 2024 this summer as the defender continues his transition, and it looks like Bradley is capable of the same.

His first goal against Andorra was an intelligent run across the near post, a move that current Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez would be proud of. His second came from being in the right place at the right time, as a cross from the left wing found its way through to Bradley, and he scored a diving header.

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The defender now has three goals in four appearances in 2024 for Northern Ireland, and he had seven goal contributions for Liverpool last season. Bradley made 23 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool in 2023-24, scoring one goal and providing six assists.

With Alexander-Arnold potentially moving into the midfield, Bradley could become Liverpool's first-choice right-back, but his eye for goal leaves new head coach Arne Slot with a decision to make. Liverpool fans were delighted for Bradley after his brace but were also wondering what his best position is.

One fan on social media even compared Bradley's potential career path to Gareth Bale, who started as a defender and went on to become one of the best wingers of his generation. When starting out at Southampton, Bale was a left-back and remained in that role initially when signing for Tottenham.

He quickly became too important to be held back and transitioned into a left-winger before being crowned Premier League Player of the Season in 2012-13 after scoring 21 goals in 33 appearances. That season earned him a then-record move to Real Madrid, where he went on to win five Champions League trophies and three La Liga titles.

Although it may be too early to make comparisons of that nature, Liverpool knows they have a major talent on their hands. Bradley's performances last season earned him a new contract which keeps him at the club until 2027, but a new deal is already being negotiated.

Bradley continues to improve at a rapid rate, and Liverpool wants to ensure they keep the young defender happy. Just like Alexander-Arnold, Bradley came through the academy, but he only joined the youth team in 2019 after leaving Northern Irish team Dungannon Swifts FC.

Bradley does claim to be a boyhood Liverpool fan and he even snubbed Manchester United and Chelsea after being invited for trials. New coach Slot may have a decision to make over Bradley's position next season, but it's a good problem to have.