Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has heaped praise on Co Tyrone’s Conor Bradley as his side cruised to a comfortable win against Chelsea.
Bradley scored his first goal for the club and also produced two assists as Liverpool defeated Chelsea 4-1 at Anfield to go five points clear at the top of the table.
"It's beautiful and he deserves it"
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) January 31, 2024
Jurgen Klopp talks about the ovation given to Conor Bradley and the special connection his club has with Irish and Northern Irish fans.#beINPL #LFC pic.twitter.com/PA7b0bwowx
The 20-year-old fired into the bottom corner in the 39th minute to double the Reds’ lead having earlier provided the pass that led to Diogo Jota’s opener midway through the first half.
After Darwin Nunez sent a penalty against the post in first-half stoppage-time – one of four times he hit the woodwork – the advantage was extended in the 65th minute when Dominik Szoboszlai headed in from Bradley’s cross.
Last night’s win made it 15 league matches unbeaten for Liverpool.
As well as praising Bradley, Klopp also highlighted Liverpool’s ‘special’ link to Ireland.
“Obviously Liverpool has a pretty special connection to Ireland and Northern Ireland,” he said.
“I’m not sure how many of them are in the stadium but they are waiting for a long time for someone from Northern Ireland to play for the first team and play the way he plays and shows up the way he shows up,” said Klopp.
“What a wonderful kid he is. Outstanding finish, the whole game, the contribution, the involvement,” said Klopp of the 20-year-old.
“It’s a job to play against [Raheem] Sterling, that’s not easy. I’m really happy for him.
“He’s a very serious young man and that was pretty special I have to say. We saw in pre-season. He is really doing well. A few weeks ago when I was on holiday a few Bolton fans asked if they could have Bradley back but it’s too late.
“I loved him from the first day, I didn’t need a lot of convincing. Comes back from Bolton (on loan), looks top in pre-season and then he is out with injuries, but thank God then time can sort it. At our age it would not get better but in that age group it gets better.
“Since he is back, it is a joy to watch him. It is all credit to the Academy. They are doing an incredible job.”
