‘Incredible’ defender and Golden Boot winner: Liverpool’s team of players not going to the World Cup

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Liverpool have some world-class players missing the World Cup this winter. Here’s the best XI the Reds could form from that group.

Club football now gets a break as the World Cup in Qatar takes centre stage. Whether you intend to watch the tournament or boycott it into oblivion, we won’t see Liverpool play until just before Christmas.

For most of the world’s best players, they’ll now head off mid-season for the most intense football imaginable. They’ll then return to their clubs and play the second half of their club’s campaign. It won’t be easy.

Liverpool, though, have a remarkably great set of players missing the World Cup. Those stars will actually get a mid-season break – one that should leave them in great shape for the business end of the season.

The Reds could even form a fantastic XI from their group. One that would give any team on the planet the game of their lives.

Liverpool players missing the World Cup

Defence

In goal, Liverpool have Caoimhín Kelleher after Ireland failed to qualify. The same goes for both full-backs, with Andy Robertson on the left and Calvin Ramsay on the right as Scotland stay at home.

The Reds boast Champions League and Premier League-winning centre-backs, too. Joel Matip isn’t going to Qatar after retiring from international duty. Joe Gome partners him after missing out on England’s selection.

Midfield

Thiago is the star selection here after his surprise exclusion from Spain’s World Cup team. We think the midfielder was one of the world’s best last season and arguably the best passer around.

Harvey Elliott gets in there, too, as he’s yet to make his international bow. James Milner would be our other pick – a player long retired from international duty. But Liverpool also have Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Curtis Jones with the club over the World Cup.

Attack

This is where things get quite ridiculous. Mohamed Salah won’t be there as Egypt failed to qualify, meaning the Reds have one of the world’s best players getting a break this winter.

Roberto Firmino is also remaining with Liverpool. Brazil didn’t pick him in a decision Jurgen Klopp cannot understand.

Luis Díaz would then be on the left. Yes, he’s injured, but wouldn’t be there anyway as Colombia failed to qualify. Diogo Jota and Fabio Carvalho didn’t make the Portugal squad – Jota is another who is injured – meaning they’re options, too.