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Conor Bradley is aiming to give new Liverpool teammate Florian Wirtz another uncomfortable game as the pair go head-to-head.
Wirtz’s Germany hosts Bradley’s Northern Ireland in a World Cup qualifier in Cologne on Sunday, with the hosts needing to prove a point after a poor start to their campaign. Germany suffered a shock 2-0 defeat to Slovakia on Thursday, with Wirtz in particular coming in for some criticism from the media and his manager as his slow start to the season continued following his record transfer to Anfield.
By contrast, Northern Ireland got off to the perfect start with a 3-1 win in Luxembourg to sit top of its qualifying group after the first round of games.
Ahead of their meeting, Bradley has praised his new clubmate, although he isn’t planning on going easy on Wirtz in any way.
"Florian's a top player. There's a reason we bought him for the money we did," Bradley said (via BBC Sport).
"He's obviously had a brilliant few years at Leverkusen and now he's come to us, and I think he started the season really well. He's really good with the ball, he's really creative and he's not scared to take a few risks with the ball as well.
"He's a top player and I know it's going to be a difficult night for me but hopefully I can make it a difficult night for him too."
While Wirtz has started every game since making his move to Liverpool, Bradley’s campaign has been a frustrating one thus far.
An injury during pre-season means the right-back is yet to start for the Reds this season, and he has only managed 10 minutes from the bench so far.
He did start for Northern Ireland in Luxembourg, and got 76 minutes into the legs ahead of what will be expected to be another run-out for him later today in Germany.
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The 22-year-old will hope his international exploits can kick-start his season back at Anfield, with Bradley still looking to take up Trent Alexander-Arnold’s mantel after his departure from Liverpool during the summer.
"It was really disappointing to pick up the injury when I did," Bradley added.
"Obviously it wasn't a big injury, it was only a few weeks, but it was really disappointing. I'm just happy to be back now.
"I have to show patience and I just have to pace myself through games to make sure I get through them and just look after myself."
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