After Chelsea's 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough, Liverpool did not roll over. Willian opened the scoring for Fulham in the first half of the EFL Cup semi-final at home to Fulham, before Liverpool took the lead in the second half and won 2-1 with back-to-back goals from Jones and Gakpo. Now Middlesbrough and Liverpool have a chance to qualify for the final.
In the absence of Mohamed Salah, Liverpool have won against Arsenal and Fulham in quick succession, which is a good sign and shows that even when Salah is not on the pitch, Liverpool have other players who can step up and lead the team. Liverpool has a strong overall strength this season and has the potential to become a quadruple champion, namely the English League Cup, FA Cup, Premier League and Europa League.
The 20-year-old wing-back shone all over the field and was voted MVP, with Alexander-Arnold expected to play in midfield. Liverpool also had a big surprise in their win over Fulham. With Trent Alexander-Arnold out injured, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp put academy graduate Conor Bradley in the starting line-up, and his performance was outstanding.
Throughout the game, Bradley completed 88 per cent of his passes, made two key passes, created one goal, was fouled twice, completed six tackles and made one interception. After a fan vote, Liverpool officials said that Bradley was voted the best player of the game. Speaking after the game, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said he played quite well and that Bradley would have more opportunities to show how good he was.
Obviously, after this game, Bradley was recognized by the Liverpool fans as well as the manager. When Bradley was loaned to League One side Bolton Wanderers last season, the Northern Ireland international scored seven goals, provided five assists, was aggressive defensively, received 12 yellow cards and had a strong presence at both ends of the pitch.
As Bradley gradually shows his talent, it is also the possibility that Liverpool's tactics will change. Trent Alexander-Arnold's attacking and passing-profess, and his penchant for playing in midfield, Liverpool could try to move Trent Alexander-Arnold forward with Bradley at right-back. Of course, this is only if Trent Alexander-Arnold returns from injury, suffering a knee injury and will be out for some time, and Liverpool can make Bradley play more than he can play as soon as possible.