“Stop it!” – Liverpool star produces moment of magic on international duty | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Conor Bradley Delivers Northern Ireland Masterclass After Chelsea Setback

Resurgence on International Stage

Conor Bradley has experienced a turbulent opening to the season with Liverpool, yet his response on international duty for Northern Ireland has reminded everyone of his quality. Substituted at half-time in the Reds’ 2-1 defeat to Chelsea after receiving a yellow card, the 22 year old endured a difficult afternoon at Stamford Bridge. Jamie Redknapp called it a “tough” evening and warned that the Premier League champions have “problems at full-back”.

If criticism followed him out of London, admiration greeted him in Belfast. Just days later, Bradley captained Northern Ireland to a 2-0 win over Slovakia in World Cup qualifying, producing a performance that sparked renewed optimism across the country.

Leadership and Flair in Crucial Win

The Liverpool right back showcased not only resilience but pure imagination in his display at Windsor Park. In the closing stages, seemingly trapped by the corner flag, he conjured a moment of brilliance. He exchanged a one-two with Alistair McCann, slipped past Laszlo Benes, then executed a majestic turn to glide beyond Milan Skriniar. His surge into the penalty area was halted, yet the crowd had already risen in appreciation.

That was the Bradley Liverpool supporters are desperate to see consistently under Arne Slot. The Belfast Telegraph rewarded his influence with a 9/10 rating, writing that he “led the charge” and “caused the visitors major concern on the right flank”.

Statistical Dominance on International Duty

Numbers from Sofascore reinforced the eye test. Bradley won a remarkable 14 duels, completed five dribbles, made four tackles and recorded three interceptions. It was a complete full-back performance, combining aggression with flair. A yellow card in the 76th minute means he will miss the clash against Germany, depriving his country of a key figure and delaying his reunion with Liverpool teammate Florian Wirtz.

Still, the enforced rest may benefit Liverpool. With Manchester United awaiting at Anfield next weekend, Bradley will return with confidence restored and legs refreshed.

Photo: IMAGO

Path Back to Liverpool Starting XI

His position in Slot’s line-up has been uncertain in recent weeks, yet opportunities like this can change trajectories. Alan Shearer recently claimed that Liverpool’s number 12 has a “bright future”, and nights like Slovakia reinforce that view.

For Bradley to cement his role at Anfield, he must transfer national team swagger to domestic duty. His Northern Ireland performance was assertive, inventive and fearless. Those are the components required to stabilise what has been a revolving door at right back for Liverpool so far this season.

If he carries Windsor Park form into Old Trafford’s rivals next weekend, full-back concerns may begin to fade.