49erssports.com - Footballers around the world, including Liverpool's players, have just finished their duty to defend their country in the September 2022 international break.
Liverpool became one of the teams that contributed their players a lot in the international break this time. There are 12 of their players who defend their respective national teams.
A number of players are having fun times at this international break. However, there are also those who have the misfortune of being just a backup.
The performance of these players can be a reference for Jurgen Klopp to choose his team's starting XI in the Premier League match against Brighton this weekend.
Who were the Liverpool players who shone and dimmed in the international break yesterday?
Alisson Becker
Alisson became Tite's first choice in Brazil's two friendlies in France, against Ghana and Tunisia respectively.
Alisson appeared for the full 90 minutes as Brazil beat Ghana 3-0. Then, the 29-year-old goalkeeper again played the full 90 minutes as the Selecao thrashed Tunisia 5-1.
Tite's decision is certainly a clear illustration that Alisson will be Brazil's main goalkeeper at the 2022 World Cup later.
Fabinho
Fabinho was only a substitute in Brazil's two friendlies in France, against Ghana and Tunisia respectively.
In the match against Ghana, Fabinho appeared from the middle of the second half when he came on to replace Casemiro. Meanwhile, against Tunisia, Fabinho was not even played at all.
In the Brazilian midfield of the Tite era, Fabinho was unable to compete with Casemiro who is now also his rival at club level after joining Manchester United.
Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk has always featured in the full 90's at the heart of the Netherlands defence in his two 2022/2023 UEFA Nations League matches, against Poland and Belgium.
Amazingly, Van Dijk's performance in these two matches was very impressive. The 31-year-old defender led his team to two wins and two clean sheets.
Not only that, Van Dijk even became the hero of the Dutch 1-0 victory over the Netherlands thanks to the only goal he created.
Roberto Firmino
Roberto Firmino's unfortunate fate. Bobby's call to the Brazilian team was a bit of a surprise because he was chosen over the on-fire Arsenal striker, Gabriel Jesus.
Unfortunately, Firmino did not get the trust of Tite at all to appear in Brazil's two friendlies in France, against Ghana and Tunisia respectively.
Tite's decision could be a sign that Firmino will not move to Qatar in November.
Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah looked stunning by scoring two goals, one of which was through a penalty when Egypt beat Niger 3-0.
For the second friendly against Liberia, coach Rui Vitoria decided not to involve Salah. The 30-year-old striker was allowed to return to Liverpool sooner.
This decision is definitely good news for Klopp and Liverpool. Salah now has more time to prepare for the match against Brighton.
Jordan Henderson
Jordan Henderson, who just returned from injury, entered the England squad for the big match against Germany, Tuesday (27/9/2022) early morning WIB yesterday.
Unfortunately, in the match which ended in a 3-3 draw, Henderson was only believed to have played since the second half of injury time when he replaced Jude Bellingham.
However, this is certainly good news for Klopp knowing his captain has returned to play after being injured. The Reds' midfield options are now even more numerous.