The international break is upon us, and Andoni Iraola will be watching developments closely as 15 Liverpool players prepare to represent their countries.
There is plenty of quality heading off around the world, with established internationals, exciting young talents and a few players who could do with a confidence boost.
But while international recognition is something to celebrate, Liverpool supporters will have one major concern: bringing everybody back fit and available for club football.
After the injury problems Liverpool have experienced during previous international breaks, Iraola will certainly be hoping for a quieter fortnight.
Liverpool’s 15 international representatives
Here is the full list of Reds called up:
● 🇦🇷 Alexis Mac Allister – Argentina
● 🏴 Rio Ngumoha – England
● 🇫🇷 Bradley Barcola – France
● 🇫🇷 Jérémy Jacquet – France
● 🇬🇪 Giorgi Mamardashvili – Georgia
● 🇩🇪 Florian Wirtz – Germany
● 🇬🇷 Kostas Tsimikas – Greece
● 🇭🇺 Milos Kerkez – Hungary
● 🇭🇺 Dominik Szoboszlai – Hungary
● 🇳🇱 Cody Gakpo – Netherlands
● 🇪🇸 Víctor Muñoz – Spain
● 🇸🇪 Alexander Isak – Sweden
● 🇺🇾 Ronald Araujo – Uruguay
● 🏴 Lewis Koumas – Wales
● 🏴 Trey Nyoni – England U21s
It is particularly encouraging to see Ngumoha continuing to attract international recognition. He is still young, but his performances have shown that he has the confidence and ability to make an impact at the highest level.
Nyoni’s England U21 call-up is another positive development. He has made significant progress this season, and the experience of stepping up to that level can only help his development.
Jacquet and Muñoz are also players Liverpool supporters will be watching closely as they continue settling into their roles at the club.
Plenty of experience heading around the world
There is no shortage of established international quality in the group.
Mac Allister will represent Argentina, while Araujo heads off with Uruguay. The two could even come up against each other during the break.
Wirtz will be looking to build on his recent progress with Germany, while Gakpo, Barcola and Isak will all hope to carry their club form into international football.
Szoboszlai is another important name, although Liverpool supporters will be particularly interested in his fitness after the knee concern he carried following the Crystal Palace match.
Kerkez, Tsimikas and Mamardashvili will also be representing their countries, while Koumas gets another opportunity with Wales.
Iraola’s biggest concern will be injuries
Liverpool have already experienced the frustration of losing important players during international breaks.
Iraola has previously spoken about how disappointing it is to lose players while they are away representing their countries.
That concern is understandable.
Liverpool are trying to build consistency under a new manager, and losing key players for several weeks can disrupt momentum and force changes to the starting XI.
Van Dijk is not included in this particular group after being ruled unfit for Netherlands duty, while Alisson has also been left out of Brazil’s selection.
There are positives in that, but the fitness of Szoboszlai will be one to monitor particularly closely.
Hopefully everyone comes back in one piece
International football is a great opportunity for players, and nobody should begrudge them the chance to represent their countries.
It is also a sign of the quality Liverpool have in their squad that so many players are receiving international recognition.
But from a Liverpool perspective, the priority is straightforward.
We need these players returning fit, healthy and ready to contribute.
There is plenty still to play for this season, and Iraola needs his strongest possible squad available as Liverpool look to build on the recent victory over Crystal Palace.
Fifteen players away, plenty of quality on show – now let’s hope we don’t have another international-break injury nightmare!
By Jamie
(The Kopite View)
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