A Liverpool player dubbed the “next Steven Gerrard” has the potential to save Jurgen Klopp.

In contrast to Steven Gerrard, Liverpool currently has a man in their lineup who will be essential to Jurgen Klopp over the coming weeks.

Conor Bradley of Liverpool, who one of his former coaches likened to Steven Gerrard, has recently emerged as one of Jurgen Klopp’s key players ahead of the next few weeks. Yesterday, it was revealed that Trent Alexander-Arnold’s re-aggravated knee ligament injury would keep him out of the lineup for at least the next three games.

Bradley excelled against Chelsea in the Premier League last month, and the vice captain will not play against them in the Carabao Cup final. The 20-year-old right-back set up Diogo Jota’s first goal, doubled the advantage with a spectacular shot into the far bottom corner, and then found Dominik Szoboszlai to make it 3-0 in the 4-1 victory.

Since his father passed away, Bradley has been on compassionate leave and has missed Liverpool’s last two games. Prior to then, in five consecutive starts without Alexander-Arnold, the defender had one goal and four assists.

The Northern Ireland international is expected to be thrust back into the starting lineup this weekend after returning to training earlier this week. On Saturday at 12.30 p.m., the Reds take on Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Bradley’s second alternative is to start anew with Joe Gomez. Alexander-Arnold was pulled off at halftime in the victory over Burnley, and Curtis Jones filled in at right-back. Gomez missed the Clarets game due to sickness.

However, Bradley’s performance suggests that as long as Alexander-Arnold is out, he should be the clear favourite for the job. Gomez might start in place of him against Luton on Wednesday night, with the expectation being that he will start both against Brentford and Chelsea in the cup final.

The No. 84’s quick ascent follows his comparison to Gerrard. The Belfast Telegraph quoted his former youth coach Joe McAree as saying: “I think they will see an even better player the first chance Conor gets to play the Steven Gerrard midfield role.” I’m not going to change my views about that.

“It’s due to his passing talent and capacity to move from box to box. He sees a pass that kills. He not only has excellent ball control and passing abilities, but he also has a fantastic engine. He can go a long way in the game and is an amazing player. He was a pleasure to work with and a different level of player when we had him in the heart of midfield.”

Given how crucial an asset Alexander-Arnold is to the team, Bradley returning to his pre-absence form would be extremely beneficial to Klopp. Trent is surpassed in assists only by Darwin Nunez (11) and no other player even approaches his rate of opportunity creation per 90 (2.10).

Bradley, a graduate of Liverpool’s youth, demonstrated his lethal forward ability in FA Cup matches against Norwich and Chelsea. In addition, he has demonstrated strong defensive play against players like Gabriel Martinelli, Luis Sinisterra, Willian, and Raheem Sterling.

Naturally, Bradley, who shares a style with Andy Robertson, is vying for the role, but Gomez will also be expected to shoulder some of the load in Alexander-Arnold’s absence. If the Northern Irishman can help Liverpool maintain their title challenge while also winning the Carabao Cup, he will become even more beloved inside Anfield than he already is.