Liverpool's win over Chelsea highlights Jurgen Klopp's greatest achievement in nine years at Anfield

Liverpool's win over Chelsea highlights Jurgen Klopp's greatest achievement in nine years at Anfield

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Stuart Ballard

By Stuart Ballard


Published: 31/01/2024

- 22:15

Liverpool romped to victory against Chelsea to move five points clear at the top of the Premier League.

It was young Conor Bradley's night as Liverpool raced home to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Chelsea to move clear at the top of the table - another academy product who Jurgen Klopp has helped break into the first team.

It was always clear early on in Klopp's reign as Liverpool manager that he was more than happy turning to the club's talented pool of youth players to find the next best thing.


Trent Alexander-Arnold was the first academy product to set the benchmark for others to follow him.

The full-back has since established himself as one of the world's most talented players and won every trophy available in the club game.

Conor Bradley is the latest Liverpool youngster to have the Kop singing his name

Conor Bradley is the latest Liverpool youngster to have the Kop singing his name

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Curtis Jones, Dominic Solanke, Caoimhín Kelleher, Harvey Elliott, Neco Williams, Rhys Williams, Kaide Gordon, Tyler Morton, Jarell Quansah, Stefan Bajcetic, Ben Doak and Bobby Clark are among the youngsters to be given runs in the first team under Klopp's stewardship to varying success.

Bradley is the latest off the academy treadmill to get his opportunity in the first-team setup, taking full advantage of Alexander-Arnold's injury.

The 20-year-old earned huge plaudits while on loan at Bolton last season, taking home all three end-of-season awards for the League One side.

Liverpool were continually being linked in the market for a back-up right-back for Alexander-Arnold.

But Liverpool opted to entrust Bradley as the person to step in when Alexander-Arnold needed a rest.

He's had to bide his time for minutes in the league, but put in a stellar display in the 4-0 win over Bournemouth earlier this month.

However, his coming of age performance came in Wednesday night's thumping 4-1 win over Chelsea that saw the Kop singing his name.

Bradley scored like a seasoned pro in the first half before pulling off an Alexander-Arnold-esque assist for Dominik Szoboszlai.

Jurgen Klopp embraced Conor Bradley after he was subbed off

Jurgen Klopp embraced Conor Bradley after he was subbed off

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It wasn't only his attacking prowess though with the energetic full-back busting a gut up and down the right flank, keeping Raheem Sterling at bay all game.

He was given a standing ovation from the Anfield crowd as he was taken off for Alexander-Arnold and Klopp embraced the right-back for a trademark bear hug.

Klopp will go down in Liverpool history as one of the club's greatest ever managers having helped them end their long wait for a top flight title and their Champions League success along with the style of football he implemented.

Liverpool have a number of academy products in their team

Liverpool have a number of academy products in their team

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But arguably his greatest achievement has been how he has utilised the club's academy to give youngsters like Bradley a chance to shine on the biggest stage.

Clubs at the elite level more often than not dip into the market for a quick fix to bolster their first-team squad.

But Bradley is further proof that bargains can be found on your own doorstep if those players are given the chance - something Klopp was more than happy to do throughout his career at Anfield.

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