Ruthless Efficiency: Why Liverpool Should Protect Their Stars During November Internationals
Is there anyone who doesn’t think this latest ste of fixtures is just ridiculous? International breaks can often feel like a necessary evil for top football clubs. While players relish the opportunity to represent their nations, the toll it takes on fitness, travel, and club priorities is undeniable. For Liverpool, this November break has seen a staggering 14 senior players head off to represent their countries. Rival clubs, on the other hand, appear to be taking a more calculated approach—resting key players by ensuring they withdraw from these fixtures. Is it time Liverpool followed suit?
Jarrell Quansah: A Surprise Call-Up
Among the notable updates, Jarrell Quansah has earned a senior England call-up as a replacement. As quoted from England’s interim boss Lee Carsley today:
“We have tried to give Jarrad as long as we can but he is probably gonna miss out so Jarrel will join the travelling party and take part in the rest of the camp. I think it’s really important that Jarrad hasn’t trained. He’s been treated for the last two or three days and it’s an issue that Everton will now take over when he goes back. We will never gamble with a player’s fitness.”
Quansah’s progression is a testament to his talent and he might be a player who’d really benefit from some game time. It does feel like he’s gone more as cover now than anything else. Rivals have been smarter during this recent period too.
Rivals’ Ruthless Approach to Rest
Liverpool’s title rivals, including Manchester City and Arsenal, have shown how shrewdly they protect their key players. Arsenal, for instance, have withdrawn Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, while Manchester City ensured Jack Grealish remained at home. Both clubs are renowned for managing their players’ workloads, and the benefits are clear. Rested players return sharper, fresher, and more capable of influencing critical league fixtures.
Liverpool, however, find themselves stretched around the world. The image reveals a total of 14 players on international duty: Luis Díaz (Colombia), Alexis Mac Allister (Argentina), Darwin Núñez (Uruguay), Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo (Netherlands), Curtis Jones, Jarrell Quansah (England), Andy Robertson (Scotland), Ibrahima Konaté (France), Dominic Szoboszlai (Hungary), Caoimhin Kelleher (Ireland), Kostas Tsimikas (Greece) and Endo (Japan). Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s Egyptian talisman, has been left out—a welcome decision that could significantly impact Liverpool’s domestic form. For the record too, Liverpool’s entire fit midfield is away.
South American Strain: A Worrying Trend
For South American stars like Luis Díaz, Alexis Mac Allister, and Darwin Núñez, the travel distances alone are gruelling. Returning from midweek fixtures in South America leaves little time for recovery before the Premier League resumes. Other clubs have often ensured their players avoid such heavy travel schedules by strategically managing their international appearances. Liverpool, however, seem reluctant to follow this path, and it could cost them dearly in a season where every marginal gain matters.
What’s at Stake for Liverpool?
This season, Liverpool have shown glimpses of their title-contending potential, but their depth will be tested with a congested fixture list. Resting players like Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice ensures their stars remain match-fit for critical club games. In contrast, Liverpool’s reliance on players returning from exhausting schedules risks injuries or fatigue derailing their campaign.
With Everton and a resurgent Manchester City looming on the horizon after the break, Liverpool must rethink their approach to international duty. Protecting stars like Van Dijk, Mac Allister, and Díaz could be the difference between lifting silverware or falling short.
Liverpool fans will no doubt admire their players’ commitment to representing their nations. However, as rivals adopt ruthless efficiency, the club must act decisively. Prioritising rest and fitness over international glory is no betrayal—it’s simply good business. In the relentless pursuit of Premier League and European honours, Liverpool can’t afford to gamble. Fergie used to get his lot to do it all the time and others are now doubt applying those lessons now. Liverpool could do with the same course of action.
