The international break is finally coming to an end, and thankfully Liverpool have another group of young players returning to Anfield with valuable experience under their belts.
It hasn’t been a massive night in terms of minutes for every Red, but there were still some interesting developments.
Victor Munoz got another taste of senior football with Spain.
Rio Ngumoha continued his rapid rise with England.
Ronald Araújo was an unused substitute for Uruguay, while Trey Nyoni was left on the bench as England’s Under-21s suffered a surprise defeat to Ireland.
And for me, the biggest positives are Munoz and Ngumoha.
Munoz continues to get his opportunity with Spain
Victor Munoz came off the bench for Spain in their 2-1 victory over Croatia, playing 12 minutes.
It might not sound like much, but I actually think these appearances are really important for him.
Munoz is still establishing himself at international level, and every time Luis de la Fuente puts him on the pitch, he gets another opportunity to show what he can do.
He’s already made an impression during this international break, including his involvement in Spain’s previous victory over Czechia.
Liverpool supporters know what Munoz can offer.
Pace. Direct running. The willingness to take defenders on.
Those are qualities that can make a difference when you’re coming on against tired defenders.
And that’s exactly the sort of experience he needs.
Spain have an incredible amount of attacking talent, so simply getting onto the pitch for the world champions is an achievement in itself.
Now Munoz needs to keep taking advantage whenever those opportunities arrive.
Ngumoha’s rise is getting ridiculous
Then there’s Rio Ngumoha.
Honestly, I’m starting to lose count of the milestones this lad is hitting.
The Liverpool youngster came on for England against Czechia and played 17 minutes in their 3-0 victory at Wembley.
It was another appearance for a player whose international rise has been incredibly quick.
Ngumoha became England’s third-youngest competitive debutant when he first appeared in the Nations League last month, behind only Wayne Rooney and Jude Bellingham.
And now he’s getting more minutes.
That’s what I want to see.
Not necessarily throwing him into every game and expecting him to become a superstar overnight.
Just gradually increasing his exposure to senior international football.
Against Czechia, he had one particularly encouraging moment when he jinked down the left before trying to pick out Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
That’s Ngumoha.
Get the ball.
Attack.
Make something happen.
It’s exactly the sort of mentality Liverpool supporters love.
And the more experience he gets with England, the more comfortable he should become when he returns to Liverpool.
Araújo misses out — and that’s probably fine
Ronald Araújo was an unused substitute as Uruguay thrashed India 6-1.
There isn’t really anything to worry about here.
Araújo has already had a demanding international period, travelling a huge distance with Uruguay, and Liverpool will be more than happy to see him back at the AXA Training Centre without another 90 minutes added to his legs.
Especially with Manchester City coming to Anfield.
That’s the game Liverpool supporters really care about now.
Araújo has become such an important part of Iraola’s defence, particularly at right-back, that having him fresh and ready for Liverpool’s next Premier League match is far more important to me than seeing him play another international friendly.
Uruguay didn’t exactly struggle without him either.
They put six past India, with Darwin Núñez among the scorers.
So Araújo gets a night off.
I’ll take that.
Nyoni was left on the bench for England U21s
Trey Nyoni’s evening was less exciting.
The Liverpool midfielder was an unused substitute as England Under-21s lost 3-1 to the Republic of Ireland.
England had already secured qualification for next summer’s European Under-21 Championship before the match, while Ireland’s victory secured them a place in the play-offs.
So I wouldn’t read too much into Nyoni not getting on.
He’s still very young and has already been moving through the England age groups at an impressive rate.
And Liverpool supporters know Iraola is keeping a close eye on him.
Nyoni has already shown that he’s capable of handling senior football, and the competition for midfield places at Liverpool is only going to get tougher.
He’ll have plenty more opportunities.
Now bring them all home
That’s really my feeling about this international break.
I don’t care if every Liverpool player comes back with goals and assists.
That’s not the point.
Munoz has continued gaining experience with Spain.
Ngumoha has added more senior England minutes to his remarkable rise.
Araújo gets to return without playing another game for Uruguay.
And Nyoni has experienced another England Under-21 camp, even if he didn’t get onto the pitch.
These are all useful experiences.
And now?
Bring them home.
Because the international break has been long enough.
Liverpool have Manchester City waiting at Anfield on Sunday, and that’s where Iraola’s attention will now turn.
Hopefully the Reds come back healthy, refreshed and ready.
And if players like Munoz, Ngumoha and Nyoni can take what they’ve learned internationally and bring it back to Liverpool, that’s another little positive.
The future of this Liverpool team is getting plenty of international experience already.
And I can’t wait to see what these young Reds can do when they get back to Anfield.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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