International break. Two words that frighten many fans of the club and make the managers work up a cold sweat.
Liverpool fans in particular have good reason to lament the effects of such periods.
In the last week alone, they saw their leading goalscorer sign the coronavirus. One of the two remaining center-backs has a serious knee injury, their skipper cannot last more than 45 minutes in a game, and his left main-back is completely out of control.
We keep our fingers crossed and more in the hope that Liverpool will not experience any further fitness setbacks before the squad meets again later this week to prepare for leaders Leicester City’s Premier League visit on Sunday night.
While Reds boss Jurgen Klopp acknowledges that international football retains a welcome place in the game – although the crowbar was a step too far in another round of friendly matches in recent international breaks – such feelings are shared by a significant number of Liverpool supporters not shared.
However, there is a group of people who disagree with the claim that international football has no value.
The players themselves.
For the majority of footballers, being called up for your country remains the ultimate honor.
Even those like Jamie Carragher, who freely admit defeat for their national team, didn’t hurt as much as losing at their club. They still proudly wore the colors of their country.
And the current squad in Liverpool is no different.
There were few Scots as proud as Andy Robertson after the Reds defender led the country to their first major tournament in 22 years last week.
Gini Wijnaldum responded to Holland’s handover of the armband with two goals in a win against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Mohamed Salah is the star for Egypt, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita also with Senegal and Guinea. Alisson Becker, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino are an integral part of Brazil, arguably the most famous national team of all.
Kostas Timikas, Neco Williams, Thiago Alcantara, Diogo Jota and Xherdan Shaqiri are regulars for their countries. And that without mentioning Liverpool’s strong English contingent.
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Few should be surprised that the 100% commitment they all give to Liverpool is repeated with their country.
There is no chance someone will turn down the opportunity to represent their nation. After all, it was such an attitude that helped make them achieve Anfield’s successes.
The only good news for Reds fans is that after this week there are four long months until the next international break.
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