Last season was a perfect demonstration of the quality within the youth ranks at Liverpool.
The Reds have often underused the young players coming through at the club over recent years, but that changed in 2023/24.
In some ways Jurgen Klopp’s hand was forced. Injuries meant the former manager had little choice but to use the academy.
From there, it was all down to the players themselves. With so many of the Liverpool squad unavailable, youngsters like Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah stepped up brilliantly.
The potential in these starlets is clear for all to see. And Liverpool have been told that one of them could now go on to be a truly special player.
Northern Ireland teammate hails Conor Bradley potential
It isn’t just Bradley and Quansah who look set to have big careers in the game. Even younger players like Jayden Danns and Trey Nyoni will have their eye on becoming first-team regulars under Arne Slot.
No matter their potential though, Danns, Nyoni and the rest would do mightily well to replicate what Bradley and Quansah have so far accomplished.
Over the latest international break the sheer scale of what they could achieve has been laid bare.
Quansah may not have gotten on the pitch for England, but as Wayne Rooney noted, he was a little unlucky not to. Meanwhile Bradley was excellent for Northern Ireland.
READ MORE: Conor Bradley explains ‘free’ role he’s been given while playing for Northern Ireland
The right-back scored both goals as his country beat Andorra 2-0. And speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Bradley’s Northern Ireland teammate Brodie Spencer has claimed that Bradley could go on to be one of the best players in the world.
“Conor Bradley is going to go on to be one of the best players in the world,” says Spencer, who plays for Huddersfield Town. “The season he has had, he’s been absolutely unbelievable and to be able to play alongside him is so good.
“It’s such a relief for me playing at centre back and just having him beside me,” Spencer adds. “He’s always there and supporting and he is able to get out of difficult situations, score goals and make things happen in attack. It’s great to be playing with him.
“For me against Andorra it was a bit more natural playing on the right hand side especially with Conor. He is such a top player and makes the job look very easy.”
Arne Slot set for Conor Bradley decision
This is really high praise from Spencer and it just goes to show how highly rated Bradley is by those who have played with him.
Another of his Northern Ireland teammates – Stuart Dallas – has previously declared that ‘the sky is the limit’ for Bradley.
Meanwhile, those at Liverpool have been equally impressed. Trent Alexander-Arnold is just one to have hailed Bradley’s impact.
In terms of the youngster’s future at Anfield, it is inescapably intertwined with Alexander-Arnold’s.
If Slot decided to move Trent into midfield, as seems possible, then the door will be open for Bradley to cement his spot in the team.
But should the new head coach decide that Alexander-Arnold is his starting right-back, Bradley may not get the chance to fulfil his world-class potential for now. Big decisions ahead for Slot.