Previously, we asked who should start at right-back for Liverpool.
After analyzing the statistics, your answer may depend on what you want the player in this role to do.
If you prefer an attacking full-back, it’s no surprise that Trent Alexander-Arnold is the most attractive option. His offensive numbers have been sublime for many seasons, and 2023-24 was no exception.
The 25-year-old is also much more involved in Liverpool’s overall play when he is on the pitch. He averaged 98 touches per game last season, second only to Jarrell Quansah on the roster. Connor Bradley is in the middle of the Liverpool team, with 79.3 touches per 90 minutes last campaign.
If you want a more defensively solid full-back, then Bradley is without a doubt the best option. Alexander-Arnold is often criticized for his defensive contribution, and his 34% success rate tackling dribblers in particular could set off alarm bells for Arne Slot as he builds his first Liverpool team.
Conor Bradley beats his counterpart in many of the defensive statistics, including tackles won, tackle success rate, blocks made and aerial duel winning percentage.
The 21-year-old also managed to go the entire season without making a ‘mistake’, which FBref defines as a mistake that leads to a shot. Alexander-Arnold has made five of them in 2023-24, the most on the squad. It’s important to consider that Alexander-Arnold has played many more games than his replacement, but it’s still promising that someone as young as Bradley can be so reliable at the highest level.
Who do you want to be Liverpool’s future right-back? Is Bradley promising enough to dethrone Alexander-Arnold or are the 25-year-old’s incredible offensive capabilities too difficult to ignore? And, if Bradley gets his nod, will Alexander-Arnold become a midfielder?
