After another two brilliant performances, Virgil van Dijk has explained what he thinks the next step is in the development of Conor Bradley and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Bradley has now played Real Madrid twice and come out on the winning side twice, playing a key part on both occasions by quietening Kylian Mbappe last year and now Vinicius Jr.
Whereas Bradley may have been criticised as being immature in his defending earlier this campaign, Tuesday’s showing was one of a seasoned professional who knew how to deal with one of the world’s best wingers.
His captain, Van Dijk, was as impressed by the performance as supporters, saying after the 1-0 win: “[Bradley was] very good. Outstanding.
“You know obviously last year he unfortunately got injured in this game, but today held his own against one of the best wingers in recent times.”
One of the issues holding back Bradley’s development so far has been niggling injuries keeping him from playing regularly – he missed 19 games last season with muscle problems.
Asked if he agreed with Slot’s recent comments that the next step is for the 22-year-old to stay fit, Van Dijk said: “I think it’s for everyone the case.
“You have so many games. The intensity of the games are incredible so you have to look after yourself, and now obviously he played two good games like the rest of the team and now it’s recovery and on to the next.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot and Conor Bradley after the UEFA Champions League, league stage match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Tuesday November 4, 2025.
“Internationals will happen and then after that we go again.”
The mention of internationals is especially relevant for Bradley, who should play two games while on duty for Northern Ireland.
The continued absence of Jeremie Frimpong at right-back will put extra pressure on Bradley to remain fit and in form as we approach the busy December period.
Dominik Szoboszlai has ‘gone to another level’
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool gestures during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Anfield on November 04, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Another of Liverpool’s standouts against Real Madrid, as he has been all season, was Szoboszlai.
According to FotMob, the Hungarian’s three chances created were the most of any Liverpool player, and only Bradley had more touches on Tuesday night.
“Yeah definitely [Szoboszlai has gone to another level in recent weeks],” Van Dijk noted.
Asked what he is like to be around, the skipper responded: “I think what you see is what you get. I think Dom is very important. The energy he brings on the pitch is incredible.
“The quality that he has is obviously outstanding and I think he is learning each and every game.
“He is developing into the player that we all feel like he could be – he is already showing obviously for the country he is playing for.
“And it’s about keep going, keep your head down and keep performing.”
So the key message there for both players is to just keep going! Szoboszlai is already showing the consistency required of an elite player; now Bradley has the chance to reach those levels too.