Liverpool’s Tactical Secret Weapon? Merson Backs Bradley to Neutralize Grealish

According to Saed News; As Liverpool prepare to host Everton at Anfield this weekend, the Merseyside Derby promises high intensity and tactical battles. Former Premier League star Paul Merson has weighed in on Xabi Alonso’s squad selection, insisting that Conor Bradley is the “best choice” to neutralize Everton’s creative engine, Jack Grealish.

Bradley, the 22-year-old Northern Ireland international, has yet to start a Premier League match this season following a hamstring injury. However, he has gradually returned to match fitness, coming off the bench against Burnley last Sunday and featuring late in Liverpool’s Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid.

Why Bradley Could Be Crucial

According to Merson, Bradley’s defensive qualities and tactical awareness make him ideal against Grealish. The Everton midfielder, now on loan from Manchester City, has been in sparkling form, providing four assists in four league games and earning Premier League Player of the Month for August.

“I would choose Conor Bradley at right-back because of Grealish,” Merson told Sportskeeda. “If you play Jeremie Frimpong there, he’s not a good defender and he bombs forward all the time. Bradley is the best choice in this game.”

Liverpool’s Right-Back Dilemma

Xabi Alonso has several options at right-back. Jeremie Frimpong provides attacking flair but is less defensively reliable, while Dominik Szoboszlai has occasionally been deployed in that role despite being a midfielder. The decision over Bradley could be pivotal for Liverpool’s defensive stability in this high-stakes derby.

Bradley also benefited from recent international action with Northern Ireland, starting in World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg and Germany. These minutes could prove crucial as he battles for a starting spot alongside Frimpong.

The Tactical Battle

The Merseyside Derby is always a clash of styles. Everton, sitting atop the league with four wins from four, rely heavily on Grealish’s creativity to break down defenses. Liverpool, meanwhile, will look to control possession, exploit width, and maintain defensive solidity.

Merson also noted that Alonso must manage other squad dynamics: “Arne Slot will have another headache on the other side, where Milos Kerkez has failed to hit the ground running. Not only did Andy Robertson replace him in the first half vs Burnley, but the Scot also scored against Atletico in the Champions League. There are so many options available for Liverpool, and Slot will have to keep all of them happy.”

The Stakes of the Derby

For Liverpool, a victory would not only boost morale but also provide momentum ahead of upcoming fixtures. Everton, in contrast, will aim to maintain their unbeaten start and continue exploiting the form of Grealish. The tactical duel between Bradley and Grealish could therefore be decisive in the outcome of this iconic fixture.

Key Players to Watch

• Conor Bradley: Defensive awareness and tackling to shut down Grealish.

• Jack Grealish: Everton’s creative threat, capable of unlocking tight defenses.

• Andy Robertson: Liverpool’s left-back provides balance and support in attack.

  

• Jeremie Frimpong / Szoboszlai: Alternative options, each with strengths and weaknesses depending on the tactical setup.

  

How Liverpool Could Line Up

Predicted Liverpool XI (if Bradley starts):

• Goalkeeper: Alisson

  

• Defense: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, Conor Bradley

• Midfield: Fabinho, Thiago, Curtis Jones

• Attack: Luis Diaz, Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez

Everton Predicted XI:

• Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford

• Defense: Vitalii Mykolenko, Michael Keane, Yerry Mina, Seamus Coleman

• Midfield: Allan, Amadou Onana, Dele Alli, Anthony Gordon

• Attack: Jack Grealish, Dominic Calvert-Lewin