It’s been a productive international break for a handful of Liverpool players as they prepare to return to Merseyside for a crucial run of games across all competitions.
While Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are notable names who didn’t represent their countries this time, Virgil van Dijk returned to Liverpool early after the Netherlands booked their spot in the next round of the UEFA Nations League.
Scotland, on the other hand, kept their hopes alive with a win against Poland, thanks in no small to their captain Andy Robertson.
Liverpool defender Andy Robertson takes centre stage for Scotland
Steve Clarke’s men needed a victory to stay alive in the competition and managed to do just that with virtually the last kick of the game.
Kamil Piatkowski canceled out John McGinn’s early opener, but Robertson popped up in the dying embers of the game to win the game for his side with a header.
The Scotland captain stepped up when his team needed him and his goal sparked a passionate celebration from the away side as they secured a crucial win in Warsaw.
However, it wasn’t all plain sailing for the Liverpool defender.
The Scotsman rated his performance 8.5/10 but appeared to suggest that he played the last quarter of the game with an injury, although they didn’t go into the details.
“Won his 80th cap in Warsaw, joining Darren Fletcher in third place for all-time appearances. Came close just before the break with an effort that was deflected over.
“Stretched at times defensively, the Liverpool man looked to be suffering from an injury from 60 minutes onwards but cajoled the team on until the very end, popping up at the far post to head home in stoppage time. A proper captain’s moment.”
Not much else has been said of Robertson’s potential injury issue but the Anfield faithful are likely to get an update from Arne Slot at his press conference ahead of the game against Southampton.
Robertson’s stats vs Poland
- 98 touches
- 100% dribbles completed (1/1)
- 55/76 passes completed (72% pass completion rate)
- 4/9 duels won
- 6/16 long ball completed
- 2 key passes
- 1 goal
The £10m Liverpool man wasn’t the only Reds defender who impressed on international duty, though.
After receiving a standing ovation in his previous game, Conor Bradley was named Northern Ireland’s Man of the Match vs Luxembourg as he scored in their 2-2 UEFA Nations League draw.
All in all, it’s been a good week for the Liverpool contingent so far.
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