Sami Hyypia can’t hide his admiration after seeing the Liverpool star for the first time

Liverpool are ready for pre-season after Dominik Szoboszlai’s goal secured a 1-0 win for the Reds against Real Betis in the United States on Friday.

In what was a relatively comfortable performance from Arne Slot, there was one man in particular who stood out for Anfield legend Sami Hyypia, despite a total of 23 players being involved for the Carabao Cup holders.

Liverpool took a fairly depleted squad across the pond for their pre-season tour, despite the likes of Mohamed Salah and goalscorer Szoboszlai turning out for the Reds on Friday, with a number of players yet to return from the international service after them. exploits at Euro 2024 and the Copa America this summer.

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However, many youth and academy players have been given the chance to impress, as well as those who consider themselves on the fringes of the first team. They include four teenagers who came off the bench against the La Liga outfit.

But after Friday’s 1-0 win over Real Betis, last season’s evaporating star Conor Bradley stood out the most for Hyypia. The 21-year-old deputized magnificently following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury last season and already seems to have picked up where he left off.

After kicking off the contest at the Acrisure Stadium, the Northern Ireland international managed 64 minutes in Pittsburgh before being replaced by Nat Phillips, producing an impressive display that helped the Reds keep a welcome clean sheet. Not only that, but he was a constant threat on the right flank as well.

And following the game, Hyypia didn’t hold back on what he thought of the youngsters’ performance. Speaking as a pundit on LFCTV, the Anfield legend said: “I was really impressed. It’s the first time I’ve seen him live and he was brilliant. Full of energy and lots of touches. He went forward all the time.”

Bradley will now hope to build on his breakthrough campaign last season, which saw him produce one goal and six assists in 23 appearances in all competitions. And with Alexander-Arnold yet to return from his extended break, the Northern Irishman has the perfect opportunity to show Slot what he can do in his absence.