Gakpo Scores, Alexander-Arnold Shines On Busy Day For Liverpool Internationals
Cody Gakpo scored for the Netherlands and Trent Alexander-Arnold was imperious for England on a day when seven Liverpool internationals were in action.
The September international break is probably the most frustrating of all international breaks. The Men’s club teams have just kicked off the season and started to get into a groove when the players disperse. While it is frustrating for club team supporters, the international breaks do give opportunities to some players who may have not featured much during the opening few matches. Such is the case for Cody Gakpo.
Gakpo has only managed 56 minutes for Liverpool across three substitute appearances to start the season. With Luis Diaz flying high, Gakpo has not had much opportunity to break into the lineup after featuring significantly last season. Despite not currently being a regular for the Reds, he is still relied upon as a starter for the Netherlands. Gakpo netted what would become the winning goal in a 5-2 victory against Bosnia and Herzgovina in UEFA Nations League play on Saturday.
Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch, who have both gotten off to scintillating starts for Liverpool, also featured for the Netherlands. Gravenberch had previously been frozen out of the national team side by Ronald Koemen, but the midfielders stellar form under Arne Slot brought about a well deserved call up and start.
Elsewhere in Europe, Trent Alexander-Arnold was thrust back into the England national team at right back under interim manager Lee Carsley as they took on CaoimhÃn Kelleher and Ireland. Playing in a role much better suited to his skills than during the Euros, Alexander-Arnold was back to his best, pinging passes all over the pitch. His defense-splitting pass started the move that led to England’s first goal in their 2-0 win.
⚽️Declan Rice scores for England against his former national team - Ireland.
— Premier League Out Of Context (@PL__OOC) September 7, 2024
What a pass from Trent-Alexander Arnold! ✨
pic.twitter.com/6JEExj2McT
It was an strong all around performance for Trent. He was on the ball generating opportunities all match long, and also showed well on the defensive end to regain possession. Alexander-Arnold was named the Man of the Match for his efforts.
Trent Alexander-Arnold's game by numbers vs Ireland:
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) September 7, 2024
108 touches (most)
87% passing accuracy
10 passes into final 1/3
7 ball recoveries
2 chances created
2/2 tackels won
Great game. pic.twitter.com/7ma0VqsMZO
England’s 2-0 win came at the expense of CaoimhÃn Kelleher. The Liverpool reserve net-minder performed admirably for Ireland, making 7 saves along the way.
Kostas Tsimikas and Dominik Szobszlai were also both in action on Saturday in lopsided matches. Tsimikas featured at left back for Greece as they cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win over Greece. Unfortunately for Szobszlai, he and Hungary were given a 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Germany.
Several additional Liverpool players will be in action on Sunday. Andy Robertson and Scotland will face off against Diogo Jota and Portugal. Conor Bradley will likely feature again for Northern Ireland as they face Luxembourg. Let’s just hope that everyone makes it through the round of international play unscathed.
Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com
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