Soccer

TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD: it’s the name on the tip of every Liverpool fan’s tongue… and Real Madrid fans’ too.And that’s the problem for Arne Slot – one of many he must face in the second half of his debut season at Anfield.Arne Slot has a dilemma on his hands regarding Trent Alexander-ArnoldCredit: ReutersConor Bradley is showing Liverpool fans – and Slot – there may be life after TrentCredit: EPAFollowing fan-favourite Jurgen Klopp was always going to be a hell of an ask.But the Dutch chief has guided Liverpool to miles clear at the top of the Premier League at the halfway stage – with dreams of a quadruple, including the Champions League, still very much alive.However, as of January 1, foreign clubs have been able to negotiate pre-contract terms for three of the Reds’ biggest stars.Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. All Kop legends. All Premier League champions. All Champions League winners.READ MORE SPORT STORIESBut, of the three, speculation has been swirling around one more than others: the local lad, Trent.The right-back was met by groans and moans among the Anfield faithful during his disasterclass in the 2-2 draw against struggling Manchester United.His defensive frailties have long been documented, despite noticeable improvements in recent months.Despite that, Real Madrid are desperate to land the England international.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSo much so, in fact, they are believed to have bid around £20million to sign him this month rather than risk a potential dogfight with Europe’s elite in the free-for-all of pre-contract deals.There’s no doubt Alexander-Arnold fits the mold of ‘Galatico’. Big name player, big match player, passing ability of Toni Kroos, free-kick ability of David Beckham.’He’s going to Tranmere after this’ – Roy Keane rips into Trent Alexander-Arnold after ‘school boy’ defending vs Man UtdLiverpool fans are naturally devastated. To lose a player of that ability is tough to take – particularly when gunning for every major trophy available.To lose a player of that ability who’s also a local lad and entering the prime years of his career aged 26… heartbreaking.However, there’s a young lad from Northern Ireland who’s here to remind the Kop squad there’s no reason to be worried: Conor Bradley.Now this is no “oh, there’s this talented kid in the youth squad” situation… far from it.Bradley has been part of the Reds’ first-team squad since the start of the 2023-24 season following a sublime loan spell at Bolton Wanderers a year earlier.To go from League One to the Premier League, though, always meant putting faith in the unknown.And boy how Bradley, now 21, repaid Klopp’s faith and etched his name into the hearts of the passionate Liverpool fandom.Trent Alexander-Arnold is among an elite few Liverpool players to ever lift the Premier League titleCredit: AlamyTrent Alexander-Arnold played a huge role in Liverpool lifting the 2019 Champions League trophyCredit: ReutersThe 23-cap international has understandably played second fiddle, but has excelled in his 41 appearances for the club.No Liverpool fan will forget his charging run and rifled right-foot finish as the Reds ran riot over Chelsea in a 4-1 battering to move five points clear at the top of the table last term.The strike won Liverpool’s Goal of the Month competition.But despite that, he’s not quite a Trent 2.0.While Alexander-Arnold has the skills of a world-beating central midfielder – despite his struggles when playing the position itself – Bradley is more of a combative, all-action defender.The youngster is accomplished on the ball and more than happy to dart up the pitch in possession.Against Man Utd, in his brief cameo after replacing Trent, he was keen to get forward and almost scored after a wonderful bit of skill and cheeky shot which nearly beat Andre Onana at his near post from a tight angle.However, he’s not expected to drift inside and join the midfield and spray passes like Alexander-Arnold. So while his passing numbers aren’t anything like his team-mate’s, his defensive stats are arguably much better.Bradley completes fewer passes and crosses per 90 minutes – although the numbers are somewhat skewed by Trent’s set-piece responsibilities.But he’s miles ahead in duels won and tackles made.The Northern Irishman is not shy of a crunching tackle – remember his delicious sliding tackle on Kylian Mbappe – and certainly keen to dart forward.In fact, in the 2024 calendar year, Bradley had just one goal fewer than Alexander-Arnold and one more assist, with seven, while completing more dribbles and having nearly TWICE as many touches in the opponents’ box.Conor Bradley’s crunching tackle as Liverpool beat Real Madrid lives long in Reds fans’ memoriesCredit: APConor Bradley made all Liverpool fans sit up and take notice after his stunning goal vs Chelsea last seasonCredit: PASo how should we ‘define’ Conor Bradley?While Alexander-Arnold fits the mold of the modern ‘inverted full-back’, joining the midfield in the centre of the pitch in attack, Bradley is more of a throwback full-back – with a modern twist.Bradley won’t sit back quietly and focus on defending, given licence to bomb up the wing and get stuck in in attack.But he’s got the speed and, crucially, energy to get back and help out when Liverpool’s all-attack approach leaves them short of numbers on the counter.More than that, his defensive instincts – something you can’t really coach – seem to be far superior to Alexander-Arnold.Sure, Bradley lacks the experience of Trent and some of the creative spark.But he has the ability to become a Kop favourite – and that’s no easy feat.READ MORE SUN STORIESOf course, Liverpool would love to cling onto talisman and future captain Alexander-Arnold.However, Bradley proves there is life after Trent for Slot, for Liverpool and for the fans should the Merseyside man swap Anfield for the Bernabeu.How Man Utd destroyed TrentMANCHESTER UNITED finally showed some steel as they drew 2-2 at rivals Liverpool.The league leaders had to settle for a point despite going 2-1 up at Anfield.Amad Diallo’s timely effort meant the spoils were shared from a match where brilliant battles were fought all over the pitch.United targeted supposedly-Real Madrid-bound Trent Alexander-Arnold and SunSport’s Dean Scoggins has lifted the lid on why they were so effective in doing so.Watch his latest Tactics Exposed video to see exactly how United pulled off the most unlikely of draws. 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ELON MUSK wants to complete a stunning takeover of Liverpool, according to the billionaire’s dad.The Tesla and X chief, 53, is worth a staggering £340billion – making him the richest man in the world.Elon Musk wants to buy Liverpool Football Club, according to his dad, ErrolCredit: GettyThe Premier League leaders have caught the eye of the world’s richest manCredit: AlamyErrol Musk, Elon’s father, has revealed his family’s links to the city of LiverpoolCredit: AFPAnd Musk – who has relatives who were born and raised on Merseyside – is keen to invest some of his astronomical wealth into the Premier League leaders.Dad Errol confirmed the surprising news while speaking on Times Radio.Musk Snr was asked: “Does your son want to buy Liverpool Football Club?”And Errol replied: “I can’t comment on that, they’ll raise the price!”READ MORE SPORT STORIES”Oh yes, [he has expressed a desire], but that doesn’t mean he’s buying it.”Errol was pushed further and asked if buying the Reds was “in his son’s sights”.And Musk Snr didn’t hold back, adding: “He would like to yes, obviously. Anybody would want to – so would I.”His grandmother was born in Liverpool, and we have relatives in Liverpool, and we were fortunate to know quite a few of the Beatles because they grew up with some of my family.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”So, we are attached to Liverpool you know.”Liverpool have been owned by Fenway Sports Group since 2010 – when they took over from the largely unpopular George Gillett and Tom Hicks.How Man United destroyed Trent in spectacular Liverpool draw amid £100m Real Madrid transfer talksLiverpool have been owned by FSG since 2010 but they sold a minority stake in 2023Credit: Getty Images – GettyHow does Elon Musk’s net worth compare to his Premier League rivals?By Joshua JonesELON MUSK is said to be interested in buying Liverpool FC.He’s the world’s richest man – but incredibly, he WOULDN’T be the wealthiest owner in the Premier League.Here, we run down the 10 richest owners, and where Musk would slot in…1. Newcastle United – Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund – £538bnFar and away at the top of the pile is the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund. The PIF invests on behalf of the country’s government and therefore has astronomical cash reserves, with a latest estimate of around £538bn.2. Manchester United – Sir Jim Ratcliffe – £29.7bnSir Jim successfully obtained 25 per cent of Manchester United just over a year ago. The lifelong supporter made his billions through his petrochemicals company Ineos, which has delved into sport to buy stakes in Ligue 1 side Nice, Lausanne in Switzerland and F1 team Mercedes.3. Manchester City – Sheikh Mansour – £17bnSheikh Mansour purchased the club in September 2008 and has transformed them into a trophy-winning machine, culminating in the 2022-23 Treble. Mansour comes from the royal family in the United Arab Emirates and is both vice president and deputy prime minister of the gulf state.4. Arsenal – Stan Kroenke – £12bnWeighing in fourth is Arsenal boss Stan Kroenke at £12bn. The Gunners chief made his money through real estate development, particularly shopping centres and apartment buildings.5. Fulham – Shahid Khan – £9.7bnLike Kroenke, Shahid Khan has plenty of interest in American sports as the owner of NFL side Jacksonville Jaguars. He also co-owns All Elite Wrestling with son Tony.6. Aston Villa – Nassef Sawiris – £5.8bnNassef Sawiris invested in Aston Villa in 2018 following their play-off defeat to Fulham. He is the youngest of Egyptian billionaire Onsi Sawiris’ three sons – with his dad launching the Orascom engineering and construction conglomerate.7. Crystal Palace – Josh Harris – £5.7bnHarris may only have 18 per cent of Crystal Palace but the American owner of Apollo Global Management is a big-time player. He has teams in the NBA, NHL and NFL on top of his involvement in a motorsport racing side.8. Joe Lewis – Tottenham – £5bnJoe Lewis first got into business through helping at his dad’s London catering company before selling it off and delving into currency trading. He is now worth around £5bn and invests in many companies, including the ENIC Group, co-owned by Daniel Levy who is worth £500m, that has full possession of Spurs.9. Chelsea – Todd Boehly – £5bnBoehly is the face of the new era at Stamford Bridge after fronting the £4.25bn takeover of Chelsea in May 2022. The American oversaw a staggering £1bn worth of spending in just three transfer windows in West London.10. Liverpool – John Henry – £4.2bnJohn W Henry is Liverpool’s current owner and heads up the Fenway Sports Group that runs the Merseyside club as well as the Boston Red Sox. Henry grew up as the son of soya bean farmers and used that expertise to get into business and went on to become a multi-billionaire.NEW ENTRY: Elon Musk – £339bnThe outspoken entrepreneur’s net worth fluctuates on the value of his companies Tesla and SpaceX but he’s currently the world’s richest man. He also owns Twitter and more recently has become a political player after cosying up to President elect Donald Trump. At his current worth, he would rank as the SECOND richest owner in the Premier League.In September 2023, FSG sold a minority stake to a US investment firm, Dynasty Equity, to help repay debts incurred by a combination of factors, including the Covid pandemic, Anfield redevelopment and repurchasing the club’s Melwood training ground.In Forbes’ most-recent table, Liverpool rank FOURTH in the list of most valuable football teams in the world.The Reds are valued at a whopping £4.3bn, with Musk – who has been tasked with leading incoming US President Donald Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency – worth 80 TIMES that.While a potential takeover looks extraordinarily unlikely, Liverpool chiefs have long maintained they were always open to serious, suitable investors.At the time of the Dynasty Equity investment, FSG president Mike Gordon said: “Our long-term commitment to Liverpool remains as strong as ever.”We have always said that if there is an investment partner that is right for Liverpool then we would pursue the opportunity to help ensure the club’s long-term financial resiliency and future growth.”We look forward to building upon the longstanding relationship with Dynasty to further strengthen the club’s financial position and sustain our ambitions for continued success on and off the pitch.”Who is Elon Musk?Here’s what you need to know…Controversial billionaire Elon Musk was born in Pretoria, South Africa in 1971.As a 12-year-old child he taught himself computer programming and sold the code of a video game to a PC magazine for $500 (£300).At 17, he moved to Canada to study, before gaining two degrees in physics and business at the University of Pennsylvania.At the age of 24 he moved to California to start a Ph.D. in applied physics and material science at Stanford University – but left the programme after just two days to pursue other projects.Now 50, he is the founder and CEO of SpaceX, co-founder, CEO and product architect of Tesla Motors, co-founder and chairman of SolarCity, co-founder of Open AI and Zip2 and founder of X.com, which merged with PayPal.He’s also working on a human brain chip project called Neuralink.Musk’s stated aim is to reduce global warming and save humans from extinction by setting up a colony on Mars.The billionaire inventor is also working on the world’s largest lithium-ion battery to store renewable energy. 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