No-one epitomised hunger more than 21-year-old right-back Conor Bradley during Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Real Madrid, with the right-back delivering the sort of display that suggested Liverpool may have a perfect replacement-in-waiting should Trent Alexander-Arnold take the road to the Bernabeu in the summer.
Bradley has excelled before but this was his best display yet, given the occasion and calibre of opposition, and it is to be hoped that his late injury does not prove to be serious.
The Northern Ireland defender found himself confronted by Kylian Mbappe starting on his flank. To say he gave the great forward a tough time is an understatement.
Mbappe endured a nightmare evening, even missing a second-half penalty which would have undeservedly brought Real level, but one moment of their personal battle stands out above all others.
The forward was bearing down on the Kop with danger in the 31st minute until he was halted in his tracks by a thundering and totally legal challenge from Bradley, which cleaned out the ball and Mbappe.
Liverpool fans rose to their feet in celebration of the tackle, with Bradley’s name echoing around Anfield as Mbappe struggled to regain his dignity.
It was not the only time Bradley was praised in song, after linking up with Alexis Mac Allister for the goal that finally gave Liverpool what they deserved after 52 minutes.
He was even a goal threat himself, although he could have done better with a header he directed straight at Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
When he limped off three minutes from time, replaced by Joe Gomez, Liverpool fans were out of their seats once more in a standing ovation.
Alexander-Arnold will have watched in admiration from the substitutes’ bench. Liverpool would not want to lose such a stellar local talent, but Bradley’s presence suggests the blow can be softened if that comes to pass.
Liverpool can now turn their attentions to Manchester City, who are currently suffering a serious downturn. In contrast, Arne Slot’s team could not be in ruder health.
