The international break is finally coming to an end, and there were a few more Liverpool players in action on Sunday night.
It wasn’t the most exciting evening for the Reds, with Florian Wirtz and Kostas Tsimikas involved in a goalless draw between Germany and Greece, while Virgil van Dijk helped the Netherlands to a 2-1 victory over Serbia.
Lewis Koumas was also involved for Wales, although they suffered a narrow defeat to Denmark.
Here’s how the Liverpool players got on.
Wirtz completes another 90 minutes
Florian Wirtz completed the full 90 minutes for Germany as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Greece.
It was another full game for Wirtz during this international break, which is actually quite important for Liverpool.
After all the discussion about his difficult start to life at Anfield, what Wirtz really needs at the moment is minutes, confidence and the opportunity to influence games.
His international performances have given him plenty of that.
Germany couldn’t find a way through Greece this time, but Wirtz completing another 90 minutes means he should return to Liverpool with plenty of football in his legs.
Now I’m hoping we see some of that confidence in a Liverpool shirt.
Because there is a seriously good player in there.
Van Dijk plays the full game for the Netherlands
Virgil van Dijk also completed the full 90 minutes as the Netherlands beat Serbia 2-1.
That’s another positive for Liverpool.
Our captain getting through another international match without any problems is exactly what we wanted to see.
van Dijk has looked increasingly important for Liverpool this season, particularly with the defence becoming much more settled under Andoni Iraola.
He’s also been getting plenty of football for the Netherlands, so the main thing now is getting him back to Liverpool safely and ready for the next challenge.
And given how important he is to this Liverpool side, I’m sure Iraola will be very happy to have him back.
Gravenberch gets 56 minutes
Ryan Gravenberch also featured for the Netherlands, playing 56 minutes against Serbia.
It’s another decent run-out for the Liverpool midfielder, although he wasn’t on the pitch for the entire game.
Gravenberch has been one of those players I’ve been watching particularly closely this season.
We know there is a very good midfielder in there, but Iraola still needs to work out exactly how to get the best from him.
More competitive minutes for the Netherlands certainly won’t hurt.
And with Liverpool facing a huge run of fixtures after the international break, having Gravenberch available and match-fit could become very important.
Frimpong doesn’t get on
Jeremie Frimpong was an unused substitute for the Netherlands.
That will obviously be frustrating for him, particularly when he’s trying to establish himself at international level.
But from Liverpool’s point of view, there’s a positive side to it.
He hasn’t played.
And considering how much travelling and international football some of Liverpool’s players have had to deal with during this break, Frimpong should return to Anfield relatively fresh.
That’s something Iraola might appreciate.
Liverpool have a huge game against Manchester City coming up, so having players available and rested could make a difference.
Tsimikas plays another full game
Kostas Tsimikas completed the full 90 minutes for Greece in their 0-0 draw with Germany.
That’s another full international game for Liverpool’s left-back.
Tsimikas has had to be patient for opportunities at Liverpool, but he’s an experienced international and remains an important squad player for Iraola.
With Milos Kerkez still adapting to Liverpool and the left-back position one area I’ve been keeping an eye on, having Tsimikas ready to step in could prove useful.
He’ll now be heading back to Liverpool after another full game for Greece.
Koumas gets 56 minutes
Lewis Koumas played 56 minutes for Wales as they lost 0-1 to Denmark.
It wasn’t the result Wales wanted, but another appearance for Koumas is valuable experience for the young Liverpool player.
He’s still trying to establish himself at senior international level, and every minute helps.
I’m particularly interested to see what happens with Koumas at Liverpool over the next few months.
He has already shown enough to suggest there is something worth developing there, and regular international football can only help his confidence.
Now everyone can come home
So that’s another international break almost finished.
And, honestly, that’s probably the best news for Liverpool.
We can finally get everyone back together.
Wirtz has played 90 minutes.
Van Dijk has played 90.
Tsimikas has played 90.
Gravenberch and Koumas have both had useful 56-minute outings, while Frimpong hasn’t added to his minutes.
Most importantly, Liverpool will be hoping everyone returns without any fresh injury problems.
Because the international break is now over and the attention can turn back to Liverpool.
And with some massive Premier League fixtures coming up, including Manchester City at Anfield, Iraola is going to need every one of these players.
The international break has given some of them valuable minutes.
Now it’s time to get them back in a Liverpool shirt.
That’s where the real football starts again.
By Jamie (The Kopite View)
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