Premier League clubs are full of International players and Liverpool are no different. Their players depart for duty heading to various countries all around the world. This most recent international break has seen the World Cup Qualifiers hotting up and here we take a look at how some of Jurgen Klopp’s charges faired when they stepped onto the field for their countries.
Ben Woodburn
It was a Wales debut to remember for 17-year-old Ben Woodburn. The Liverpool wonder kid entered the fray for Chris Coleman’s side in the 69th minute with Wales’ world cup qualification hopes slowly ebbing away. He only needed three touches to make an impact as he brought the down superbly, knocked the ball out of his feet to deliver a stunning 20 yard finish past a scrambling Heinz Linder. That goal was enough for Wales as they ran out 1-0 winners and are now just two points adrift of a play-off place.
Philippe Coutinho
Philippe Coutinho has been in the media a lot over the course of the summer due to Barcelona looking to sign the Brazilian. With Coutinho unhappy at not being allowed to leave Anfield, he has so far found himself not involved with the first team this season. A back injury and illness kept the midfielder out of action but thanks to a miraculous recovery, he was able to take part in Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers. It was his goal, after coming on off of the bench, which secured Brazil’s place at Russia 2018, with Brazil running out 2-0 winners against Ecuador.
Andrew Robertson
Andrew Robertson was one of four Liverpool players on the score sheet during the international break. Liverpool’s new signing managed to double Scotland’s lead against Lithuania to 2-0 on 30 minutes with a superbly executed curling effort which found the top corner. Scotland went on to win the game 3-0 and now find themselves in with a great chance of qualifying for the World Cup. Robertson starred in both fixtures, the second against Malta, where Scotland ran out 2-0 victors and was instrumental in Leigh Griffiths’ goal on 49 minutes.
There were also international appearances for a whole host of other Liverpool players. Jordan Henderson skippered England in both of their games, with the Three Lions making hard work of both Malta and Slovakia. Mo Salah tuned out for Egypt in both their games. They lost the first 1-0 to Uganda but then beat Uganda in their second game, with Salah bagging the winning goal.
Elsewhere, Emre Can played 11 minutes for Germany as they beat the Czech Republic 2-1. Ragnar Klavan helped Estonia to a 0-0 draw against Greece, Lovren played in both Croatia games, Sadio Mane scored in one of Senegal’s two games and Georginio Wijnaldum played twice for the Netherlands.
So it was a bit of a mixed bag for Liverpool’s international players but on the whole a good international break for the likes of Coutinho, Robertson and especially Ben Woodburn, who grabbed the headlines and rightly so. However, their first game back has been a disaster, with Mane being sent off in the 37th minute which according to Sportingbet then signaled the start of an onslaught from Manchester City which pretty much lasted for the remainder of the match and resulted in Manchester City winning 5-0.
However, Klopp and his team will have to pick themselves up and get over the unfortunate result. Their next game will be in the Champions League against Sevilla, and Klopp will have the Anfield fans to help ensure his team makes the best possible start in this competition.
