Liverpool’s surprising new captain is revealed as the Arne Slot leadership group expands.

Liverpool’s roster is increasingly filled with international captains, highlighting the leadership presence within the squad.

Before Conor Bradley was appointed as captain of Northern Ireland, manager Michael O’Neill consulted with Liverpool’s staff. O’Neill considered making the Reds’ right-back the youngest captain in the nation’s history but wanted insights from those who work closely with him.

The feedback was favorable; those O’Neill spoke with felt that Bradley was well-prepared for the pressures of national captaincy. His experience as a deputy to Trent Alexander-Arnold and his ability to manage the demands of a club like Liverpool indicated he had the right temperament for the role.

With veterans like Steven Davis, Stuart Dallas, and Jonny Evans stepping away from international football, Bradley took on the captaincy for Saturday’s goalless draw in Belarus. At just 21, he is positioned to lead his nation for the foreseeable future, as long as he maintains his form and fitness.

“I captained youth teams before,” Bradley stated. “I think I was captain all the way from Under-13s to 16s or 17s, so I have previous experience as Northern Ireland captain, and I’m really proud.

“It’s going to be a really good night, and hopefully we can cap it off with a result to make it a really special occasion. I’ve just told my mum and my girlfriend. They said they’re very proud of me, a massive well done. I’m really happy and can’t wait for tomorrow now.”

The year 2024 will be unforgettable for Bradley. After breaking into the Liverpool lineup and consistently impressing at the start of the year in the absence of an injured Alexander-Arnold, he faced the tragic loss of his father during a peak period of his form under Jurgen Klopp in early February.

Bradley also played a crucial role in the Carabao Cup victory against Chelsea at Wembley later that month, furthering his career with additional appearances during the closing weeks of Klopp’s historic tenure.

His appointment as captain for the national team highlights his promising career, making him the sixth international captain at Anfield, alongside experienced teammates like Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands), Andy Robertson (Scotland), Dominik Szoboszlai (Hungary), Wataru Endo (Japan), and Mohamed Salah (Egypt).

Ibrahima Konate briefly held the France armband during their 4-1 victory over Israel when Aurelien Tchouameni, the night’s skipper from Real Madrid, was substituted. Arne Slot is likely pleased with the growing list of leaders emerging at Anfield.

Liverpool’s leadership group has transformed in recent years, evolving from Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Van Dijk, and Gini Wijnaldum to now include Robertson, Alexander-Arnold as vice-captain, Salah, and goalkeeper Alisson Becker. Additionally, Alexis Mac Allister is becoming a notable influence within the team.

Regarding the decision to appoint Van Dijk as club captain and Alexander-Arnold as his deputy after Henderson and Milner departed in the summer of 2023, former manager Klopp said: “I think for all the duties a Liverpool captain has to perform, I believe the first three (Van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold, and Robertson) are best suited for those roles.

“And then the other two (Salah and Alisson) can be themselves, helping the team in the best possible way while staying true to who they are, as that’s the player we signed, the player we love, and the player we need.”

“Mo, captain of Egypt, one of the best players to ever play for this club. But strikers are different; they have to be unique – and we all benefit from that. We need him as a role model, leading the line, being the first to press, and setting the standard on the pitch.”

While Liverpool’s squad tends to be youthful, the presence of multiple captains underscores a team characterized by professionalism, dedication, and strong leadership qualities, a sentiment echoed by those at the club regarding Bradley’s influence on O’Neill.