What the Northern Irish press are saying about Liverpool star Conor Bradley vs Luxembourg
Conor Bradley is among a host of Liverpool players who are away on international duty.
17 first-team players have been called up to play in the internationals, with Bradley’s Northern Ireland facing Luxembourg in their World Cup qualifying opener.
Bradley has only played 10 minutes of Premier League action this season, with August being a month where he has slowly rebuilt his fitness.
Despite being on the bench against Arsenal and Newcastle, Dominik Szoboszlai started at right-back over Bradley and Joe Gomez.
With Northern Ireland’s game against Luxembourg marking Bradley’s first start of the season, the press had some interesting things to say about the Liverpool defender.
Conor Bradley praised over spirited performance against Luxembourg
Bradley could have been forgiven for feeling a little rusty, but the Northern Irish full-back was heavily praised for his display.
The Belfast Telegraph gave Bradley a rating of 7/10, and said: “Back in the side after missing June’s fixtures through injury, the Premier League winner went on the attack from the off. The Liverpool ace loves a crunching challenge and was more influential in the second half as his cross led to Charles’ finish.”
This was echoed by Belfast live, who said that Bradley provided his usual threat down the right-hand side.
Northern Ireland won the match 3-1, with Bradley playing a big part in the second goal.
He cut a cross back which the Luxembourg defence could only clear as far as Shea Charles, whose deflected strike restored the lead for Northern Ireland.
Bradley had a brilliant performance individually, registering a strong display on his first Northern Ireland game since November.
| Stat | Bradley vs Luxembourg |
| Touches | 58 |
| Pass accuracy (per cent) | 83 |
| Passes into final third | 5 |
| Ground duels won (per cent) | 50 |
| Recoveries | 5 |
Bradley will be hoping this international break could help him return to the Liverpool starting lineup.
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Frimpong injury opens the door for Conor Bradley
Jeremie Frimpong was injured in the 4-2 win over Bournemouth and Arne Slot has been using Szoboszlai as a makeshift full-back.
Despite reports stating Frimpong will return after the international break, Bradley will be caught up on full fitness and should be given the chance to start Liverpool’s next match against Burnley.
With a Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid just three days after the Burnley clash, it seems highly unlikely Frimpong would start both of these games even if he is declared fit.
Szoboszlai has been brilliant at right-back, but there is no doubt that Slot will want his star man back in midfield, meaning Bradley might have an opportunity to start at Turf Moor on 14 September.
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