Arne Slot must simply unleash ‘outstanding’ Liverpool star against Atletico Madrid
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(Credit: Imago)
Michael Mongie
Mon 15 September 2025 18:30, UK
Liverpool open their Champions League account on Wednesday with a stern test in the form of Atletico Madrid.
The Reds are on a four-game winning streak in the Premier League after Hannibal Mejbri’s ‘braindead’ moment handed Mohamed Salah a penalty in the 95th minute on Sunday.
It was a cruel moment that brought an end to Burnley’s 24-match unbeaten run at Turf Moor and restored Arne Slot’s side to the top of the Premier League table.
Scott Parker‘s men expertly repelled Liverpool but were ultimately undone by the champions’ relentless attacking prowess and depth of quality.
One substitution on Sunday has potentially laid the blueprint for Liverpool to follow when they host Atletico Madrid at Anfield this week.
Credit: Imago
Alexis Mac Allister suffered an ankle injury as a result of a Lesley Ugochukwu challenge deemed to be worthy of a red card by Keith Hackett.
Consequently, Conor Bradley was introduced, which meant Dominik Szoboszlai was allowed to move into his preferred midfield role.
The Hungarian was impressive again at right back, but with Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong both available, it’s best he returns to midfield moving forward.
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Szoboszlai has arguably been the best Liverpool player this season alongside Ryan Gravenberch, and will be needed in the engine room against a quality opponent like Diego Simeone’s Atletico.
With Mac Allister a doubt to face the Spanish outfit, Szoboszlai is even more greatly needed in the middle of the park.
Outside of allowing Szoboszlai to return to his best role, Bradley is also Liverpool’s fittest right back.
This is evidenced by Slot’s decision to introduce him at half-time instead of Jeremie Frimpong.
Bradley has also proven himself to be a reliable performer in the Champions League after his incredible display against Real Madrid last season at Anfield in November.
After the game, Thierry Henry waxed lyrical to CBS Sports about the 22-year-old fullback.
Henry said: “That [tackle] for me, already did set the tone.
You all know, you guys were centre-back, right-back, whatever, when you go into someone like that at the beginning of the game, you’re going to struggle.
“Conor Bradley was just outstanding.“
Bradley will be up against a tricky customer in Nico Gonzalez but having previously shackled Kylian Mbappe, he’s more than capable of impressing on the big stage.