Liverpool Assistant Manager Pep Lijnders Praises Academy Prospect Conor Bradley Amid Injury Crisis
Liverpool’s ongoing injury crisis has been alleviated by the contributions of their academy players, according to Pep Lijnders, the club’s assistant manager. Lijnders specifically highlighted Conor Bradley as a standout performer who could potentially replace the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold in the upcoming League Cup semi-final against Fulham.
Alexander-Arnold’s absence due to a knee problem has created an opportunity for Bradley, who impressed as a substitute in the recent victory over Arsenal. Lijnders emphasized that Liverpool’s success this season has been attributed to both smart summer signings and the strength of their youth setup, which has helped mitigate the impact of injuries.
Lijnders stated, “We spent a lot of money in the summer, we really invested in the squad, the ownership brought in the right players. [We] have injuries at the moment [but] they will be back in not that long.” He further emphasized the importance of squad depth and the role of the academy in providing support during challenging periods.
Alongside Bradley, Bobby Clark also caught Lijnders’ attention with his performance against Arsenal. Lijnders praised Bradley’s ability to learn and adapt during the game, highlighting his improvement in one-on-one situations against Gabriel Martinelli. Lijnders emphasized that both Bradley and Clark are integral parts of the squad, not just backup players.
Lijnders concluded by expressing his belief in the potential of young players and the importance of providing them with opportunities and trust. He cited Jarell Quansah as an example, stating that after being given a chance against Newcastle, Quansah gained confidence and made significant progress. Lijnders expressed his confidence in Liverpool’s young talents, stating, “These two boys, really good, but we have more of them!”
Liverpool’s reliance on their academy players highlights the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent and ensuring a sustainable future for the team. With Bradley and other prospects stepping up in the face of injuries, Liverpool’s depth and resilience continue to be key factors in their success.