“That’s the way it is” - Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp compares Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has suggested Trent Alexander-Arnold is in a league of his own despite Conor Bradley's breakout season at Anfield.
Alexander-Arnold, 25, found the net with a sensational free-kick in his side's 3-1 win against Fulham yesterday (April 21). He's shone this season since becoming the Reds' vice-captain with three goals and nine assists in 32 games across competitions.
However, Bradley, 20, has enjoyed a breakout season and majorly impressed when Alexander-Arnold has been sidelined. The northern Irish right-back has appeared 22 times across competitions, registering one goal and six assists.
Klopp won't have to choose between the right-back duo from next season as he'll be leaving Liverpool this summer. The German coach has overseen Alexander-Arnold's development and has bedded Bradley into his first team seamlessly.
However, Klopp was clear about how he views the duo after the victory against Fulham (via transfer expert Fabrizio Romano):
"Conor Bradley played a few games or football where we all thought: oh, wow! What was that? But the truth is that nobody is like Trent, that's the way it is."
Alexander-Arnold is regarded as one of European football's best right-backs. He's made history at Anfield despite his young age, becoming the Premier League's highest assisting defender in February (58).
The 23-cap England international was key as the Merseysiders went level on points with leaders Arsenal. He opened the scoring against Fulham to keep Klopp's side firmly in the three-horse title race with the Gunners and Manchester City.
Alexander-Arnold on Liverpool's win against Fulham and five finals ahead of them in the PL title race
Alexander-Arnold called Liverpool's 3-1 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage 'huge'. It had massive implications on the title race as it ensured they kept pace with momentary leaders Arsenal.
City weren't in action this weekend as they attended to FA Cup football, reaching the final with a 1-0 win against Chelsea. This allowed the Gunners and the Merseysiders to put the pressure on Pep Guardiola's men who have a game in hand.
Alexander-Arnold told Sky Sports after his man-of-the-match performance:
"[That was] huge. At this point of the season, you don’t [always] get the results you want. It was a very important result for us. We saw Arsenal win last night, it was a big one. We need five big ones, five finals."
Liverpool have five games left to try and win their second league title under Klopp. Alexander-Arnold (32') was joined on the scoresheet against Fulham by Ryan Gravenberch (53') and Diogo Jota (72') while Timothy Castagne (45'2) responded for the hosts.