Nations League, First Call Up & A Familiar Face Returns: Liverpool’s International Break Preview | OneFootball

By Joe Durrans

With the international break coming up, it will give the Reds the chance to regroup following their two major upsets this week in the Champions League and the Carabao Cup.

Liverpool players have always been massive parts of their international teams, such as Luis Suarez for Uruguay, Sadio Mane for Senegal and of course Mohamed Salah for Egypt plus many, many more. This definitely translates to the modern day where 16 Liverpool players have been called up and often offer that something different yet crucial for their national team.

With the teams being announced this week, people began to notice that there was not a single England call-up from a current Liverpool player which has of course been due to the fact that Trent Alexander-Arnold suffered an ankle injury against PSG.

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Despite only just coming back from injury Cody Gakpo has earned himself a Netherlands call-up as a result of his 16 goals and five assists under Arne Slot. The versatile forward traditionally plays off the left for the Dutch where he can cut inside with his precise eye for goal and powerful dribbling. The winger has managed to convert 14 goals in just 36 games for his nation which he will need to continue in their Nations League matches against Spain to ensure they proceed to the semi-final. The captain, Van Dijk has also been given a call-up to the Netherlands to ensure that they can be as defensively secure as possible given that they are playing against one of the most prolific attacks in international football.

Andy Robertson who is the Scotland captain has also been called up so that he can drag the Scots through their tough upcoming fixture against Greece in the Nations League A Qualification. The fullback’s dynamic wing play and accurate crossing can be a killer for them as he is such an unpredictable and capable defender and attacker who can unlock players like Mctominay who has also had a brilliant goalscoring season for a midfielder.

The Colombian sensation Luis Diaz has of course also been called up for the exciting match-up against the giants Brazil, this promises to be a technically excellent and enjoyable game. The winger has been playing for Colombia for six years and has managed to get on the score sheet 16 times which is respectable given that he is used as a skilful touchline winger rather than an inside forward that gets in behind teams.

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A noticeable involvement for England is of course the re-introduction of the former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson who has been brought in to inspire and humble the highly rated England dressing room, whilst also being a leader that can close games out and ensure the team does not get panicked. It is clear that Thomas Tuchel values experience and leadership in his side due to him leaving out players like Curtis Jones who has had a respectable season.

Potentially the most validating and earned call-up of all is for the Irish goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher who has kept three clean sheets in his eight Premier League appearances but also has helped Liverpool remain stable despite the major injury to Alisson. The Irishman has already had 20 caps, but he will definitely be looking to make sure that he is the permanent number one for his national team.

James McConnell has also received his first ever call up for the England U20’s squad which he has earned in his 13 well-fought matches under Arne Slot.

Alexis Mac Allister has also been included in the Argentina squad which you would have to say is well deserved since he has been an absolute bulldog in midfield for Liverpool this season. He serves a purpose for his nation that not many other midfielders can do, not only is he a technical ball progressor he also abides by the South American way of putting your body on the line for your country.

The midfield maestro Dominik Szoboszlai has also got his call which would be expected with him being the main man and captain for his country he will be expected to play every minute of every game against Turkey given that they will be going into this game as the second favourite. They will be hoping to come out victorious, not only for national pride but to also help their nation qualify for the Nations League A.

Redmen Reacts

Whilst little can be done about international call-ups in this day in age, especially with The Reds boasting so many captains and key figures for their nations, there is certainly a sense of disappointment that a few won’t be getting a genuine rest.

The likes of Szoboszlai and Mac Allister in particular have put in a herculean shift in recent weeks and would appear to be running on empty a little as Slot’s side crashed out of the Champions League and suffered defeat at Wembley.

Hopefully, all of them enjoy positive experiences with their respective nations and more importantly can return to Merseyside fully fit, refreshed and ready to go for the run-in.