Arne Slot will hope the glut of Liverpool players featuring for their countries this international break return to Merseyside without injury.
Liverpool have endured a tough start to the new Premier League season, with the defending champions not looking anywhere near their best so far in 2025-26.
Liverpool signed Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong in an attempt to strengthen their options at the back, but Slot’s men have conceded nine Premier League goals so far this season.
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However, the performance of one Reds youngster on Friday night for his country will surely give the Anfield boss food for thought ahead of the upcoming visit of Manchester United.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty ImagesConor Bradley excels for Northern Ireland
Liverpool right-back Conor Bradley put in a man-of-the-match performance for Northern Ireland on Friday night, leading Michael O’Neill’s side to a 2-0 win over Slovakia at Windsor Park.
The 22-year-old was a marauding presence down the Northern Ireland right, with a clever ball leading to his side’s opening goal in the first half.
Bradley was substituted late in the game to rapturous applause from the home faithful, with the Liverpool defender a firm fans’ favourite in Belfast.
After the game, team-mate Trai Hume labelled the Liverpool man ‘outstanding’ following a stellar performance.
The only blot on Bradley’s copybook was the fact he was booked, meaning the Northern Irish captain will miss Monday night’s clash against Germany due to suspension.
Bradley needs game time at Anfield
The departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid in the summer was expected to lead to Bradley being given more time on the pitch for Liverpool.
However, the signing of Frimpong has added competition for places, while Dominik Szoboszlai has also been featuring at right-back for the Premier League champions.
Photo by Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Bradley is a solid defender who is tenacious in the tackle and reads the game well, while the 22-year-old is also a threat going forward.
With Manchester United visiting Anfield after the international break, fielding Bradley at right-back following his Northern Ireland heroics – allowing Szoboszlai to play in midfield – would be a smart choice by Slot.