Conor Bradley is looking forward to playing against his new Liverpool team-mate Florian Wirtz, as Northern Ireland are all set to clash against four-time world champions Germany in a 2026 World Cup qualifying game. Bradley spoke highly of Wirtz, while also claiming that he wants to make the German sensation's night difficult with a solid defensive display.
Bradley looking forward to facing WirtzWants to make Liverpool team-mate's night difficultGermany face Northern Ireland in World Cup qualifying game Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Bradley is yet to play alongside Wirtz at Liverpool, as he only returned to action from a hamstring injury in the club's Premier League clash against Newcastle United last month and replaced the German attacking midfielder in the second half. Now, with the international break on, the duo are set to compete against each other in Northern Ireland's World Cup qualifier against Germany on Sunday.
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Ahead of facing his Reds colleague, the full-back said: "Florian's a top player. There's a reason we bought him for the money we did. 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."
Getty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Wirtz, who completed a £116 million ($156m) move to Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen this summer, has featured in Arne Slot's starting lineup in all of their first three Premier League clashes. There was concern over his fitness during the Arsenal game, as the Germany international was replaced by Wataru Endo just a minute before the regulation time ended; however, Slot later clarified that there were no serious injury concerns.
AFPWHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?
The reigning Premier League champions will take on Burnley in their next Premier League game after the international break on September 14.