'Stellar': Liverpool trio hailed by Spanish press, one 'shone against Real Madrid'

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It would be a bit of a false narrative to portray Wednesday’s Champions League tie as a clash between Real Madrid’s superstars and Liverpool’s kids.

In Brahim Diaz and Champions League debutant Raul Asencio, plus substitute Lucas Vazquez, Real Madrid actually utilised as many academy graduates as Liverpool did during their 2-0 defeat at Anfield.

Yet, as Conor Bradley and Curtis Jones more than held their own against Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, and as the ‘outstanding’ Caomhin Kelleher made his third penalty save in a fortnight, this was a proud night indeed not only for Arne Slot but for anyone who has played a role in the trio’s rise through the Reds ranks.

Caomhin Kelleher has been so impressive that, for the first time in his Liverpool career, serious questions are starting to be asked about whether Alisson Becker deserves to remain as the club’s number one.

While Slot has indicated that Alisson will be back in the XI when he returns to full fitness, dropping Kelleher after such a supreme run between the sticks would be harsh in the extreme.

Ditto Bradley, almost faultless up against the fearsome Mbappe in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s absence.

Curtis Jones, meanwhile, continues to blossom into one of the most complete footballers in the game. Arguably Liverpool’s most improved player since Jurgen Klopp’s departure, it was Jones who looked like the midfielder of Real Madrid quality on a night in which Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga and even Bellingham struggled to exert their usual influence.

Spanish press hail Liverpool’s Curtis Jones, Conor Bradley and Caomhin Kelleher

Jones, the Spanish media singing his praises following a display of purpose and trademark poise, certainly justified his selection despite Dominik Szoboszlai’s fine strike against Southampton a few days earlier.

Even former Real Madrid hero Gareth Bale could not hold back his admiration for Jones at full-time.

“A starter in place of Szoboszlai against Real Madrid, he once again showed his great form, his dynamism and his quality,” Mundo Deportivo write, labelling Jones an ‘excellent’ performer on the night.

In their post-match autopsy, Mundo Deportivo also labelled Kelleher Liverpool’s ‘hero’ – he denied Mbappe from the spot mere moments after Alexis Mac Allister’s opener – while 21-year-old Bradley was nothing short of ‘stellar’ on only his fourth start of 2024/25.

The former Bolton Wanderers loanee provided his eighth assist in just 40 Liverpool appearances when playing in Mac Allister just after half-time.

“The Liverpool goalkeeper was one of the star players of the night,” Mundo Deportivo say. “Stopping Mbappe’s penalty and frustrating all of Real Madrid’s attempts.

“[And] Alexander-Arnold’s replacement shone against Real Madrid both in [his] defensive duties and when he went forward. He assisted Mac Allister for the Reds’ first goal.”

Arne Slot delighted as Liverpool graduates shine against Real Madrid

Given that Liverpool possess the sort of depth most managers can only dream of, there will not be too many coaches feeling sorry for Arne Slot as the Dutchman faces a painful selection headache.

Alisson or Kelleher? Jones or Szoboszlai? Bradley or Alexander-Arnold? For many others, this is like choosing between caviar and wagyu beef at a Michelin star restaurant.

“I think it's nice for him, nice for his family, nice for us but it's also very nice for the Academy,” Slot beams when discussing Bradley’s all-action display against the reigning European Champions.

“And not only him. Caoimh was outstanding today. Curtis was outstanding today. Probably all of them were outstanding, but to have three Academy players in your team doing so well is also a big compliment for the Academy this club has.

“Conor did very well, but I'm totally not surprised by him doing so well because he showed this already last season and showed this in this season in training sessions and in games as well. So, very nice for him.

“I think every decision I have to make is a difficult one, because we have so many quality players. I've been clear about [Alisson being my number one] but tonight shouldn't be about that.

“It should be about Caoimh being so important for us. [Saving Mbappe’s penalty was] a big moment for him also I think.”