Liverpool already have ideal Trent Alexander-Arnold replacement thanks to Real Madrid proof

Liverpool finally managed to get the win over Real Madrid they have craved for more than a decade, and they have several players to thank. Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo scored the decisive goals in the 2-0 win at Anfield on Wednesday night in the Champions League to maintain their 100 percent record in the competition.

Arne Slot was without several members of his squad due to injury, including the likes of Alisson Becker, Diogo Jota, Federico Chiesa and Kostas Tsimikas. Another was Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was only fit enough to be on the bench as an unused substitute after recovering from a hamstring injury he suffered earlier this month.

In Alexander-Arnold's place was Conor Bradley, who put in a performance worthy of being named player of the match. In truth, several members of the Liverpool team were deserving of the honour, including Bradley.

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The right-back provided the assist for Mac Allister's goal and almost found the back of the net himself before being denied by Thibaut Courtois. It was Bradley's tackle on Kylian Mbappe in the first half, though, that captured the imagination and the hearts of the Anfield crowd.

Bradley has often found himself being forced to be Alexander-Arnold's deputy in his young Liverpool career. The injury to the Reds vice-captain has given Bradley the opportunity to show why he is worthy of being a regular starter should Alexander-Arnold depart next summer.

Alexander-Arnold's contract situation has been the subject of intense speculation for several months now. It seemed fitting that Bradley put in a player of the match performance against Madrid, the very club that has been heavily linked with signing Alexander-Arnold as a free agent at the end of the season.

Bradley attempted more tackles than any other Liverpool player (four) against Madrid, via FBref. The Northern Ireland international also completed two carries into the penalty area, the same as Curtis Jones and only one behind Mohamed Salah. BBC's Match of the Day also reported that Bradley ranked first across possession won (nine), duels won (eight) and tackles (four) in the Liverpool team, not to mention his all-important assist for the opening goal.

What will happen with Alexander-Arnold's future at Liverpool is still up in the air, with the club remaining in talks with the player's representatives. If no agreement can be reached, the Reds will at least have the knowledge that a player of Bradley's ability can slot into the team with ease.