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Introduction
As the October international break comes to a close, many of Liverpool’s top talents have been in action for their national teams. Manager Arne Slot, who took charge of Liverpool ahead of the 2024-25 season, will be keeping a close eye on his returning players as they contribute on the world stage. From Ibrahima Konate’s dominant performance for France to Caoimhin Kelleher’s heroics for Ireland, several Reds made significant impacts for their countries.
In this article, we take a detailed look at how Liverpool players fared during the international break, including updates on Wataru Endo, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kaide Gordon, and Liverpool’s promising academy stars.
Konate Stars in France’s Dominant Win
Ibrahima Konate continues to shine for both club and country, and his latest performance for France was another example of his growing importance on the international stage. The Liverpool center-back played the full 90 minutes as France cruised to a 4-1 victory over Israel in a UEFA Nations League clash held in Budapest.
Konate’s composure in defense was instrumental in keeping Israel’s attacking threats at bay. His combination of physicality, aerial dominance, and smart positioning ensured that France maintained control throughout the match. He was pivotal in starting attacks from the back, often delivering precise passes to initiate France’s forward play. This victory strengthens France’s position in the competition, and Konate’s performance further solidifies his status as a key figure for both club and country.
With Arne Slot keen to build a strong, disciplined defense at Liverpool, Konate’s performances will undoubtedly earn him a regular spot in the starting XI upon his return to Merseyside.
Endo Leads Japan to Crucial World Cup Qualifying Win
Wataru Endo’s leadership qualities were on full display as he captained Japan to a 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia in a crucial World Cup qualifier. The Liverpool midfielder, who has been a vital figure for both Japan and his new club this season, delivered another composed and disciplined performance in the heart of Japan’s midfield.
Endo’s ability to break up opposition play and dictate the tempo of the match was key to Japan’s control over Saudi Arabia. His role as captain allowed him to lead by example, maintaining Japan’s shape and discipline throughout the game. Endo’s leadership has been one of his standout traits since joining Liverpool, and his experience in high-pressure matches will continue to be valuable as the Premier League season progresses.
Arne Slot has placed significant trust in Endo, both for his defensive work rate and his ability to contribute to attacking plays. After this stellar performance on the international stage, Endo will be eager to return to Liverpool and help his team push forward in their domestic campaign.
Kelleher’s Heroics Secure Ireland’s Comeback Win
Caoimhin Kelleher once again proved his worth for the Republic of Ireland, delivering a solid performance in their 2-1 come-from-behind victory against Finland in the UEFA Nations League. The Liverpool goalkeeper, starting in place of the injured Gavin Bazunu, was crucial in keeping Ireland in the game with several key saves after Finland initially took the lead.
Kelleher’s sharp reflexes and ability to stay composed under pressure allowed Ireland to stay in the contest before they mounted their comeback. His confidence in playing out from the back and making decisive interventions highlighted the qualities that make him such a valuable backup to Liverpool’s first-choice keeper.
With limited first-team opportunities at Liverpool due to the presence of Alisson Becker, Kelleher has consistently demonstrated that he is more than capable of stepping up when called upon. His international performances will only strengthen his case for more regular playing time at club level.
Disappointment for Alexander-Arnold in England’s Defeat
Trent Alexander-Arnold endured a frustrating night for England, playing the full 90 minutes in their 2-1 loss to Greece in the UEFA Nations League. Known for his attacking prowess and creative passing, Alexander-Arnold tried to influence the game with his trademark crosses and set-piece deliveries, but England struggled to break down a well-organized Greek defense.
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Despite his efforts to push England forward, it wasn’t enough to avoid defeat. Alexander-Arnold’s attacking contributions were evident, but defensively, England found it difficult to cope with Greece’s counter-attacks. The Liverpool full-back will be looking to put this disappointment behind him as he returns to club duty under Arne Slot’s system, where his offensive creativity is often a game-changing factor.
Curtis Jones, Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool teammate, was an unused substitute in this match. Despite not featuring, Jones will be hoping to impress in future England fixtures as he continues to develop under Slot’s guidance at Liverpool.
Kaide Gordon Impresses for England Elite League Squad
Liverpool loanee Kaide Gordon, currently with Norwich City, made a positive impact for England’s Elite League Squad in their 2-1 win over Italy. Introduced in the second half, Gordon added pace and creativity to England’s attack, playing a key role in their eventual victory.
Gordon’s development has been impressive, and his international experience with the Elite League Squad will only further his growth. His performances at Norwich City are being closely monitored by Liverpool, and the young winger is showing all the signs of becoming a future first-team regular at Anfield.
Academy Stars Kelly and Nallo Represent Liverpool’s Future
Two of Liverpool’s Academy players were also involved in international action during the break. Kyle Kelly featured for St. Kitts and Nevis, coming off the bench in their 3-1 victory over the British Virgin Islands. The young forward made an impact with his energy and movement, contributing to his nation’s win in this CONCACAF Nations League fixture.
Amara Nallo, a promising left-back, started for England U19s in their 2-1 loss to Portugal. Despite the defeat, Nallo’s performance was encouraging, as he showcased his defensive solidity and tactical awareness. These international experiences will be vital for Kelly and Nallo as they continue to develop within Liverpool’s youth setup.
Conclusion
As the international break concludes, Liverpool manager Arne Slot will be pleased with the performances of his players on the global stage. Key figures like Ibrahima Konate, Wataru Endo, and Caoimhin Kelleher delivered standout performances, while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kaide Gordon added further international experience to their growing resumes.
While some, like Alexander-Arnold, will return with frustration from defeat, others such as Endo and Konate return with confidence after leading their teams to victory. Arne Slot will now look to integrate his returning players back into the squad as Liverpool prepares for the next phase of the Premier League season.
The form and fitness of these players will be crucial as Liverpool continues its push for success under Slot’s leadership. With the international break behind them, the Reds will aim to build on their momentum in domestic and European competitions.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com