The Premier League might have gone quiet for a few weeks, but there certainly won’t be much rest for a huge number of Liverpool players.
Following Sunday’s excellent 1-0 victory over Bournemouth, the Reds head into the international break with 18 first-team players away representing their countries.
That leaves Andoni Iraola with a seriously depleted group at Kirkby, although the Liverpool boss has already made it clear that he intends to keep working with the players who remain behind.
And this is a particularly interesting international break for Liverpool.
There are established stars looking to maintain their form, new signings still adapting to life at Anfield, youngsters getting opportunities at senior level and one or two players who have plenty to prove.
So, here is a look at all the Reds heading away.
Alexis Mac Allister – Argentina
Mac Allister has looked much more like himself recently and his return to the starting XI at Bournemouth was another positive.
After struggling for consistency earlier in the campaign, the Argentine has started to find his rhythm again.
Liverpool supporters will be hoping he comes back from international duty feeling confident and ready to play an important role in Iraola’s midfield.
Rio Ngumoha – England
This is another huge moment for Rio Ngumoha.
The teenager has been included in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad and is the only Liverpool player selected for the senior England team during this international window.
Ngumoha already made his senior England debut against New Zealand in June, so this isn’t simply a case of being around the squad to gain experience.
He has already shown that he can handle senior international football.
Now he gets another opportunity to make an impression.
Bradley Barcola – France
Barcola’s Liverpool career is still developing, but there have already been plenty of glimpses of what he can offer.
His pace and ability to attack defenders give Iraola another dimension in the forward line.
International football gives him another chance to build confidence before returning to Anfield.
Jeremy Jacquet – France
This could be one of the most exciting call-ups of the lot.
Jacquet has been one of Liverpool’s biggest positives defensively this season and has now received his first senior France call-up.
The centre-back has impressed alongside Virgil van Dijk and has already shown that he isn’t frightened by the Premier League.
Now he gets the chance to train alongside some of the best defenders in the world.
That’s a fantastic experience for a player who could become extremely important for Liverpool.
Giorgi Mamardashvili – Georgia
Mamardashvili will head away with Georgia, although he faces the difficult task of trying to dislodge Alisson when he returns to club football.
His international experience remains valuable, though, and Liverpool will be hoping he returns fit and ready to compete.
Florian Wirtz – Germany
There is probably no Liverpool player who will attract more attention during this international break than Wirtz.
The German is still searching for his best form in a Liverpool shirt, and another run of international football could be important for him.
Interestingly, Germany have split their squad for this international period, giving Wirtz some additional rest before joining up for the later fixtures. Iraola has welcomed the decision, saying it could be beneficial for the player and Liverpool.
For me, Wirtz simply needs a spark.
We know how talented he is. Liverpool just need to start seeing that talent translate into decisive moments on a regular basis.
Kostas Tsimikas – Greece
Tsimikas will be hoping to get plenty of minutes with Greece after finding himself competing with Milos Kerkez for the left-back position at Liverpool.
His experience could still prove valuable for Iraola over a long season.
Milos Kerkez – Hungary
Kerkez has become an important part of Iraola’s plans and started the win at Bournemouth.
He now has the chance to continue building his confidence with Hungary.
The biggest thing for Liverpool is simply that he returns healthy because the schedule waiting for the Reds is extremely demanding.
Dominik Szoboszlai – Hungary
Szoboszlai is another player who will be expected to play a significant role for his country.
The Liverpool midfielder has been a regular under Iraola and his versatility has been particularly useful.
The question Liverpool supporters will be watching is whether he returns refreshed or carrying a heavy workload after the international fixtures.
Jeremie Frimpong – Netherlands
Frimpong’s Liverpool start hasn’t quite gone the way many expected.
He arrived with an enormous reputation as an attacking full-back, but there have been questions over his defensive contribution and his best position.
International football gives him another opportunity to rebuild confidence.
Cody Gakpo – Netherlands
Gakpo is arguably one of Liverpool’s most important players at the moment.
He played a major role in setting up Isak’s winner at Bournemouth, producing the determined run and delivery that eventually led to the goal.
His form has been one of the real positives of the opening weeks.
Liverpool will desperately want that to continue after the international break.
Ryan Gravenberch – Netherlands
Gravenberch has found himself in and out of Iraola’s starting XI as the manager continues to search for the right midfield balance.
There is no doubt he has the technical ability to be an important player, but the midfield structure still hasn’t completely settled.
International duty gives him another opportunity to build rhythm.
Virgil van Dijk – Netherlands
The Liverpool captain continues to be hugely important to both club and country.
Van Dijk has also confirmed that he intends to continue his Netherlands career, having decided to remain involved under new head coach Xavi.
For Liverpool, the priority is obvious.
Bring our captain home fit.
The Reds’ defensive improvement has been one of the biggest positives of the season, and Van Dijk remains at the centre of it.
Victor Munoz – Spain
Munoz is another player looking to establish himself within Iraola’s squad.
His international involvement with Spain gives him valuable experience, particularly as he continues competing for minutes at Liverpool.
Alexander Isak – Sweden
Liverpool supporters couldn’t ask for much better timing from Isak.
The Swedish striker goes away after scoring his fourth Premier League goal in five appearances for Liverpool, with his goal securing Sunday’s 1-0 win at Bournemouth.
And this is the exciting part.
Liverpool’s attack still hasn’t completely clicked.
Yet Isak is already scoring regularly.
Imagine what happens when Wirtz, Gakpo, Barcola and Isak all start clicking together.
Ronald Araujo – Uruguay
Araujo has been one of the most interesting developments of Iraola’s Liverpool side.
Not only has he been involved defensively, but his ability to operate at right-back has given Iraola another option.
He started against Bournemouth and helped Liverpool secure another clean sheet.
His versatility could become extremely important as the season progresses.
Lewis Koumas – Wales
Koumas heads away with Wales after an impressive Carabao Cup performance against Tottenham.
He has shown that he can lead the line, press aggressively and cause defenders problems.
This international break could be another important step in his development.
Trey Nyoni – England youth level
Nyoni is another fascinating player to keep an eye on.
The teenager has already shown enough to make Liverpool supporters believe he could eventually become an important first-team midfielder.
He is involved with England’s youth setup during the break rather than the senior squad.
And with Liverpool still trying to find the right midfield balance, I wouldn’t be surprised if Nyoni gets more opportunities after the international break.
The biggest concern? Just getting everyone back fit
That’s ultimately what Liverpool supporters will be thinking about over the next few weeks.
Eighteen first-team players are away.
Liverpool have players travelling across Europe and South America, while others will be involved in multiple international fixtures.
And when they return, the Reds immediately face a huge run of fixtures.
The Premier League doesn’t return until October 11, when Manchester City visit Anfield.
That’s why this break feels so strange.
Liverpool have started to build something under Iraola.
The attack still needs work, the midfield still isn’t completely settled, but the defence is beginning to look seriously impressive.
Now we have to wait.
And hopefully, when the Reds return to Kirkby, every single one of these players comes back fit, healthy and ready to go again.
Because the real test of Iraola’s Liverpool is about to begin.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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