Dedicated to Real Madrid! Liverpool s 22-year-old defender shined in the Champions League and was voted the best in the team after the game

In the fourth round of the Champions League, Liverpool performed their best performance of the season, defeating Real Madrid 1-0 at home, completely shattering doubts that their state was declining or in crisis. McAllister's header in the 61st minute helped the Reds defeat the 15-time Champions League winners for the second time in a row. But after the game, the best player voted by fans was not goal scorer McAllister, but right back Bradley.

Before the game, Liverpool fans sang the cheering song "There is only one Bradley" in order to ridicule Alexander-Arnold for "going home". During the game, Bradley also repaid the love of the Liverpool fans with his outstanding performance. At the right back position, Bradley successfully restricted Vinicius and helped Liverpool seal a 1-0 home victory. At the data level, Bradley contributed 3 steals, 2 clearances, 1 interception, won 7 of 12 ground duels, and succeeded in 2 aerial duels.

This was his best performance since the last time Liverpool faced Real Madrid (a year ago). In November 2024, he made Mbappé useless in the game, and a vicious tackle on the Frenchman became the most memorable moment of the night. He has come a long way since then, but some still think he still has room for improvement. People are still questioning whether he can become a truly top-level full-back?

Based on the performance in this game, the answer is: absolutely. He made Vinicius, one of the best players in the game today, have a difficult night. On the offensive end, he also sent several wonderful passes that penetrated the defense, creating opportunities for Ekitic and others. In fact, Vinicius should have been sent off in the first half. He was booked in the 23rd minute for pulling on Bradley and then apparently dived after a physical challenge from the Liverpool right-back, but did not receive a second yellow card.

Now the test for Bradley is health and stability. When asked about it, Slott's response was: "Stay fit." He performed well in that game (against Real Madrid last season) but unfortunately then strained his hamstring.

"So, the biggest challenge now is: can he stay healthy for a high-intensity game every three days. It won't be easy for him because he missed most of the preseason and has been really unlucky at times."

Sloter is absolutely right. If Bradley can perform like this every week and stay healthy, he will become a regular at right-back for Liverpool.