Arne Slot sends simple message to Conor Bradley, and he is absolutely correct - opinion
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rousing the Kop or go back to LFC Live.
Conor Bradley could have a bigger role to play this season than many realise.The Reds may have started the season off fairly poorly, but there is still so much time to go that anything could happen.Their fixtures do not get any easier, however, with Real Madrid and Man City up next before the international break, meaning Arne Slot needs all his players on top form.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. One star in particular who might have a bigger role than most is Bradley, with the right-back looking to be first-choice for the foreseeable future.Slot clearly sees him as a vital player too, with the Dutchman sending him a message that proves how he is very much in his plans.Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty ImagesArne Slot urges Conor Bradley to stay fitThere has never been any doubting Bradley’s talent as it is clear for all to see, the only problem has been his injury record.As a marauding right-back, a lot is asked of the Northern Irishman and it can take a toll on his body, with regular injuries meaning that he has not been fully able to nail down that position.This was the case last year when competition with Trent Alexander-Arnold and also occurred towards the start of this season, but now that he is back firing, Slot has pleaded for him to stay fit given his lack of options.“Stay fit!
That’s the biggest challenge now,” Slot said in his press conference.“To play at this intensity every 3 days without getting injured. He missed parts of pre-season, he’s been unlucky at times when I have started him we have been 1-0 down and I have made an attacking sub and put Szoboszlai there.
READ MORE: Liverpool’s predicted XI vs Real Madrid as impenetrable backline needed while Florian Wirtz decision made“He is showing the potential he has, but the main thing is playing 3 days without an injury.”Dominik Szoboszlai is too important in midfield to move to right-backWith Jeremie Frimpong injured, Bradley is the only recognised right-back option, mainly as Calvin Ramsay will likely not be trusted just yet, meaning it is essential he stays fit.If he does not manage this, then Dominik Szoboszlai could move back there like Slot has done many times already this season, although this would be far from ideal.Despite the Hungarian doing a very good job wherever he plays, he is far too important to the middle of the park, meaning that moving him out of there will only cause more problems.This is why Bradley needs to do all he can to stay fit, even if that is just until Frimpong returns, with the Northern Irishman now one of the key players in the first-team squad.