Liverpool may be undergoing significant change this summer, but the club will still be strongly represented at the World Cup.
A total of eight Liverpool players have been selected by their countries for the tournament:
- Alisson Becker 🇧🇷
- Wataru Endo 🇯🇵
- Cody Gakpo 🇳🇱
- Ryan Gravenberch 🇳🇱
- Alexander Isak 🇸🇪
- Alexis Mac Allister 🇦🇷
- Virgil van Dijk 🇳🇱
- Florian Wirtz 🇩🇪
The question now is simple:
Can any of them become world champions?
Argentina’s Familiar Hope
If Liverpool supporters were forced to pick one player most likely to lift the trophy, Alexis Mac Allister would probably be the obvious choice.
Argentina arrive at the World Cup as one of the favourites.
They possess tournament experience, a settled squad and a winning mentality developed over several years.
Mac Allister has already proven himself on the biggest international stage and remains an important part of Argentina’s midfield.
If Argentina go deep into the tournament again, few would be surprised.
Germany’s New Star
Florian Wirtz may be Liverpool’s newest superstar, but he heads into the World Cup carrying enormous expectations.
Germany are always dangerous in major tournaments, regardless of their form beforehand.
And Wirtz is increasingly becoming the player around whom much of Germany’s attacking football revolves.
If Germany are to challenge for the trophy, Wirtz will almost certainly play a central role.
Dutch Ambitions
Liverpool’s Dutch contingent is particularly strong.
Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch will all be representing the Netherlands.
The Dutch have quietly assembled a talented squad and possess a blend of experience and youth that makes them genuine outsiders.
Van Dijk’s leadership will be crucial, while Gakpo’s goals and Gravenberch’s energy could make the difference in key moments.
Could the Netherlands win it?
Perhaps.
But they may need everything to go right.
Brazil’s Last Line of Defence
Alisson Becker enters another major tournament as arguably the best goalkeeper in world football.
Brazil will always be among the favourites whenever a World Cup comes around.
They possess extraordinary attacking talent and a squad packed with quality.
If Brazil are to go all the way, Alisson will likely play a huge role.
Goalkeepers often define major tournaments, and few are more capable of doing so than Liverpool’s number one.
Sweden’s Hopes Rest on Isak
Alexander Isak heads into the tournament as Sweden’s biggest star.
The striker has continued his excellent form and remains one of Europe’s most complete forwards.
However, Sweden face a much tougher challenge than some of the traditional powerhouses.
A deep run would require several upsets.
Still, with Isak leading the line, they possess a player capable of producing moments of brilliance.
Endo and Japan
Wataru Endo once again carries the responsibility of leading Japan.
Few teams are better organised or more disciplined than the Japanese.
They have repeatedly shown they can compete with elite nations.
Winning the World Cup would be an enormous surprise, but Japan are more than capable of causing problems for bigger teams.
Who Has the Best Chance?
If we rank Liverpool’s representatives by their chances of winning the tournament, it might look something like this:
- Alexis Mac Allister 🇦🇷
- Alisson Becker 🇧🇷
- Florian Wirtz 🇩🇪
- Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo & Ryan Gravenberch 🇳🇱
- Alexander Isak 🇸🇪
- Wataru Endo 🇯🇵
Of course, World Cups rarely follow predictions.
Unexpected heroes emerge.
Favourites collapse.
Underdogs thrive.
That is what makes the tournament so special.
Liverpool Will Be Watching Closely
Beyond the race for the trophy, Liverpool supporters will be paying close attention to individual performances.
Mac Allister will be under scrutiny after a difficult season.
Wirtz will carry enormous expectations.
Isak’s form will be watched closely.
And Alisson will once again attempt to prove why he is the best goalkeeper in the world.
By the end of the tournament, one of Liverpool’s eight representatives could be celebrating as a world champion.
And if that happens, the Reds will once again have a player returning to Anfield with football’s greatest prize in his hands.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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