1 month ago
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Conor Bradley has revealed his improved fitness levels have been key to his recent improved form at Liverpool.
The academy graduate was the Reds’ standout player between the October and November international breaks, as he capitalized on Jeremie Frimpong’s injury and underlined his credentials as the club’s first-choice right-back.
The performance against Real Madrid was among Bradley’s greatest-ever in a Liverpool shirt, as he kept Vinicius Junior largely quiet for 90 minutes. The 22-year-old then followed that up with an excellent display in Sunday’s 3-0 defeat at Manchester City, a performance that earned rave reviews from opposition head coach Pep Guardiola.
The 2025/26 campaign was always destined to be a huge season for Bradley, who signed a contract extension in the summer and was keen to stamp his authority in the wake of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure.
After an injury-plagued few years, Bradley suffered a setback in pre-season as he sustained a knock that ruled him out of the first two fixtures. Since then, his fitness levels have been steadily improving, something Arne Slot referenced in a recent press conference.
Bradley has started all of Liverpool’s last seven Premier League matches and, speaking ahead of Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualifier against Slovakia, the defender admitted his ability to stay injury-free has been a huge factor in his recent run of performances.
“It’s obviously really important,” said the right-back. “One of the most important things as a footballer is being available to play.
“I think that’s something, especially this season, that I’ve been much better with. Obviously, last season was really disappointing.
“I don’t think it was anything individually on me, but it was more just unlucky with them [injuries]. This season has been much better. I’ve been available a lot more.
“It’s something I need to keep doing,” Bradley continued. “It’s just very hard work every day and making sure you’re at it and making sure you look after yourself because the Premier League is relentless and the Champions League and all the cup competitions.
“You’ve just got to look after yourself in the best way possible. Hopefully, I can stay injury-free for a lot longer.”
In maintaining his fitness levels, Bradley has, for now, achieved the goal set out by Slot at the end of last season. Speaking after Alexander-Arnold’s exit was announced in May, the Liverpool head coach challenged Bradley to improve his fitness levels if he wanted to hold down a regular spot in the team.
“Very talented player, Conor; unfortunately, hasn’t been fit through the season,” said Slot.
“To become a very good player you have to be available every week and that is the first step he has to take next season, but we have confidence in Conor as a very good full-back for Liverpool and that is already what he has shown.”
Earlier this month, Slot repeated that challenge. “That [staying fit] has been his biggest challenge until now,” said the Dutchman.
“We were just talking about Florian [Wirtz] and we can say the same about Con. Be able to play every three days at this intensity without getting injured and that’s not been easy for him because he missed a big part of pre-season. He is progressing, getting fitter and fitter and showing the potential he has.”
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