Conor Bradley confirms he is READY for Liverpool challenge | OneFootball

One of the main reasons behind Liverpool's mixed start to the season has been the level of instability in different positions, making it really tricky to deliver consistent performances.

Hugo Ekitike has been the striker for most the games, although Alexander Isak's steady introduction has meant that sometimes the Frenchman's rhythm is disturbed by starting games on the bench.

Furthermore, the midfield is imbalanced because Florian Wirtz is not being properly accommodated; since he's a traditional No. 10, he needs to receive the ball high up the pitch, whereas Liverpool's title-winning trio were known for their flexibility in floating around and occasionally dropping deep.

But the performances from the full-backs have created the most havoc, with Arne Slot unable to rely on a pairing to deliver to the levels expected of them. As such, the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold this season has been pivoted to as a potential reason behind our three consecutive losses.

In reality, however, we just need players to take accountability for their efforts and generally improve.

Bradley has found his level

Northern Irish full-back Conor Bradley finally managed to kick into gear this week while playing for his country and the Reds will be immensely pleased to see him playing with confidence in his game.

Against Slovakia on Friday night, the right-back was relentless on and off the ball, making forward drives into the box to try and create chances, as well as doing his bit defensively as well. Succeeding against the eastern-European side was always going to be a challenge - he was involved in 33 duels throughout the game, winning 14 of them, as well as making three interceptions and two tackles.

Instead of his usual role as a full-back that likes to attack, he's been credited as a 'wing-back' meaning he's more of a wide-midfielder of sorts, making it that bit harder to find the right balance.

In a clip posted to X by BBC Sport NI, Bradley is pictured making one of his twelve attempted dribbles, using all the flicks and tricks in his locker to remind us of just how special a player he is.

Throughout the game, he was really impressive, perhaps sending a message to Slot that he's up to the challenge of delivering similar efforts for Liverpool in aid of retaining the Premier League title.

In his way is new signing Jeremie Frimpong, who has also been utilised as a right-back this season, although the Dutchman's position on the pitch is less defined, making him a more flexible asset.

He was utilised at right-wing for the Netherlands earlier this week, which is a role that he's perfectly able to perform in, winning eight of the 11 duels he was involved in, while making countless dribbles.

Whether he or Bradley is deployed against Manchester United next weekend is a mystery, and Slot will have a stylistic preference to consider, rather than just deciding who the starter and back-up is.

But it has to be said, the Northern Irishman is the tried and tested defender. You'd expect him to be considered first and foremost by Slot, and following this latest return to form, he might get his wish.