Conor Bradley labelled 'best player in the world' after stunning display against Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid

Conor Bradley is already a fans' favourite at Liverpool but his stunning display against Real Madrid on Wednesday night enhanced his glowing reputation even further. It was the Northern Ireland international's first start in the Champions League and he was tasked to deal with Kylian Mbappe.

Come the end of the 90 minutes though it was the man from Castlederg who was being labelled the best player in the world and not the French superstar. Once again Bradley rose to the occasion with a display which helped inspire the Reds to a first win over Real since 2009.

Bradley's superb sliding tackle on a marauding Mbappe was cheered like a goal in the first half with the roof almost lifting off Anfield as 'There's only one Conor Bradley' rang out around the ground. In the second half he showed his attacking prowess forcing Thibaut Courtois into a stunning save to keep out his header minutes after the restart.

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But Bradley then teed up Alexis Mac Allister for the opener, becoming the first-ever player from Northern Ireland to assist a European goal for Liverpool. Cody Gakpo made sure Arne Slot's men kept their 100% record in the competition with a late second after Mbappe and Mo Salah had both missed from the penalty spot.

It completed a miserable night for Mbappe who got very little change out of Bradley all night. In fact journalist James Pearce quipped that it was such a bad night for the Real Madrid the only bright spot for him would be if he got to take Bradley's shirt home with him!

Comedian Shane Todd also had a go at Mbappe as he posted: "Mbappe has gone from living in Monaco, to living in Paris, to living in Madrid, and now Conor Bradley’s pocket." Vlogger Sam North highlighted Bradley's incredible rise posting: "From Dungannon Swifts to crunching Mbappe in the Champions League. Conor Bradley."

@lfcmike__ posted that Bradley's performances will have an effect on Trent Alexander-Arnold's contract negotiations: "Every time Conor Bradley plays a game of footie, the salary Trent can demand in contract negotiations goes down £10k a week."

Fellow Liverpool fan @AdamCairns_97 referenced a viral clip from a few years ago when he posted: "Conor Bradley is the best player in the world. What are you laughing for? I’m being serious.”

Bradley also drew praise from Thierry Henry for THAT tackle on his French compatriot. “That [tackle] for me, already did set the tone,” Henry said on CBS Sports. “Boom! That’s it. You all know, you guys were centre-back, right-back, whatever, when you go into someone like that at the beginning of the game, you’re going to struggle.

“We see him making that run [forwards], every time – he fancied it. You could see, he fancied himself against Mbappe. Everything he did was spot on. We were waiting for Salah, we were waiting for Mbappe, but we saw Conor Bradley, so fair play to him.”

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Speaking on Match of the Day, pundit Danny Murphy heaped praise on Bradley’s bravery and nerve, exemplifying maturity beyond his years. The former Reds midfielder said while analysing the tackle: “This was probably as big a roar as you’ve heard. It’s the athleticism and the timing but also the courage to do it. There’s no respect, the ball needs winning. It doesn’t matter who you are.”

Bradley's manager, Slot, praised the 21-year-old's display but admitted he wasn't surprised. He said: “Conor did very well but I am totally not surprised, he showed it last season and this as well.” The Liverpool boss now faces an anxious wait ahead of the clash with Manchester City this Sunday to see how serious the injury is which forced Bradley off late in the game.

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