Eyebrows were raised when it was revealed that Liverpool had no intention of signing a new right-back in the summer should Neco Williams move on.
With the Wales international firmly behind Trent Alexander-Arnold in the pecking order, he had been expected to leave the Reds in search of first team football, with such a scenario leaving Jurgen Klopp short on alternative options.
Sure, he would have James Milner, but having finally found a suitable alternative to Andy Robertson on the opposing flank in Kostas Tsimikas, sparing the vice-captain of full-back duty, it seemed strange to embrace the scenario at right-back.
Of course word from club insiders at the time was promoting Conor Bradley’s credentials to step up and fill the void, with Liverpool coaches suitably impressed by his development and growth to feel comfortable in letting Williams go.
He was already a full Northern Ireland international of course, but it would still have been a big call had such events unfolded and the Reds had entered the 2021/22 season with Bradley as the only natural right-back in reserve to Alexander-Arnold.
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Six months on and those eyebrows are raised no longer with it clear now why the 18-year-old is held in such high esteem and Liverpool feel comfortable with him succeeding Williams when the time does come for the Wales international to depart.
Bradley has made five appearances for the Reds so far this season but his outing against Shrewsbury Town on Sunday in the FA Cup was the most impressive yet.
Sure, he might feel aggrieved that the visitors’ goal came from his flank after he was unable to stop Nathanael Ogbeta’s cross, but it was the only black mark against his name in a performance where he impressed throughout and was a constant attacking threat down the right-hand side.
Linking up well with fellow teenager Kaide Gordon, it was the Northern Irishman who set up the winger’s equaliser with a low cross, while his cutback in the second half after keeping in the ball in play helped create the third for Roberto Firmino.
Such a performance was a far cry from his last senior outing, when he was one of three youngsters withdrawn at half-time as Liverpool fought back from 3-1 down to beat Leicester City in the League Cup.
But that outing came with Williams out of position ahead of him and Joe Gomez, back from injury, full debutant Billy Koumetio and Kostas Tsimikas making up the back four.
Hardly a backline you can really judge Bradley’s performance as part of, his latest appearance alongside Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson allowed him to flourish and prove he could fill in in a senior defence.
There will come a time when the 18-year-old finds himself in the same position as Williams now, facing the prospect of limited game-time behind Alexander-Arnold, but he still has plenty of time to learn his trade behind the England international before any tough decisions arise.
Williams has filled such a role well since making his own breakthrough in 2019, but with a potential World Cup in Qatar to prepare for at the end of the calendar year, should Wales navigate successfully through the play-offs, it does feel like it is nearly time for the 20-year-old to move on.
Yet it would admittedly be a surprise if Klopp sanctioned his exit in January, despite placing a minimum £10m asking price on his head in the summer, with injuries and Covid-19 ensuring the Reds need every last body to compete on all fronts this season.
But with transfer activity limited in recent windows, partly due to a lack of funds, his eventual exit will help Liverpool re-invest and bolster their ranks in the long run, with Bradley demonstrating why the Reds feel Williams’ replacement is already in place at Anfield.
He wasn’t the only youngster to impress on Sunday, of course, with Gordon shining on the right ahead of him as he marked his Anfield debut with a first goal.
It’s nearly a year since he left Derby County behind to join Liverpool and it’s already clear to see why the Reds parted with £3m to sign the 17-year-old last February.
Had he stayed with the struggling Rams, he would no doubt boast far more than three senior appearances he has to his name, but his patience will pay off and, like Harvey Elliott’s arrival from Fulham before him, it seems Liverpool have landed another Football League gem at a bargain fee.
Whether he is fully part of Klopp’s first team squad in 12 months’ time, like Elliott’s own promotion after his 18th birthday, remains to be seen but with Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino all turning 30 before the start of next season and out of contract in 2023, it is clear a gradual changing of the guard in the Reds’ attack is looming and Gordon is currently well-placed to take advantage.
And while January transfers might be unlikely at Anfield this month, perhaps Liverpool could snap up another talented youngster under the radar to knock on the first team door in one year's time.
In contrast, Caoimhin Kelleher is facing quite the predicament.
The Republic of Ireland international is undoubtedly a talented goalkeeper and more than capable of being a first-choice shot-stopper. He proves such a fact whenever he is turned to in the absence of Alisson.
But the Brazilian isn’t leaving Anfield anytime soon, with his best years ahead of him and a long-term contract signed until 2027.
As such, how long can Kelleher, now 23, sit behind one of the best goalkeepers in the world?
Having seen his compatriot Gavin Bazunu flourish on loan at Portsmouth from Man City, and secure the number one jersey ahead of the Reds’ shot-stopper as a result, Ireland legend Shay Given recently called for Kelleher to leave Liverpool on loan.
“He’s not a kid anymore, 23 is an age where I think he should be playing regular first team football,” Given said. “The biggest problem he has is that Alisson is ahead of him. Alisson is in the prime of his life and could be for the next five or six years. Does Kelleher sit there and be happy as a number two? They’ve got Adrian who can sit on the bench and back up.
“For me, it’s so important to play games. He has been training there for a few years and signed a new five-year contract last summer, so he is part of the club’s long-term future.
“Even from a Liverpool point of view, they need to get him out playing, get him that experience, then bring him back and get him challenging Alisson.
“If it was me, I’d be knocking Klopp’s door down, I really would. I’d be saying that I need to go out on loan, go and play. January is a time to do that, I’d be on to my agent and manager to get me playing games.”
Had Kelleher left Anfield on loan in the past, he could feasibly be Ireland number one and would certainly boast more than 11 career appearances to his name.
But he would have missed out on Premier League and Champions League glory, and would have been unlikely to register appearances in either as a result.
He certainly deserves more opportunities than he is currently afforded but is enjoying the most he can behind Alisson, and certainly won't be allowed to depart in January.
Progress in the FA Cup, along with this month's League Cup semi-final clashes with Arsenal, should at least guarantee further minutes for him in the second half of the season.
If all goes well, he could even have a trip or two to Wembley to look forward to and a chance of domestic cup glory. Whether he would retain his place for a final appearance though, only Klopp can answer.
The best compliment you can give the Irishman is he can already stake his claim as Liverpool's best back-up goalkeeper in the Premier League era.
But while such experience is satisfactory for Kelleher for now, you do wonder how long it’ll be before he knocks on his manager's door asking for more.
