Liverpool’s senior players had a busy summer of international action, with 19 players seeing minutes on the pitch and four making it to major finals. As the 2023/24 campaign came to a close with the conclusion of Copa America and the Euros, every player in Arne Slot’s side can now reflect on their performances.
While only one Liverpool player, Alexis Mac Allister, was able to lift a trophy, several others had commendable achievements. Luis Diaz, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Joe Gomez all walked away with runners-up medals, while Darwin Nunez earned a bronze medal. These experiences will undoubtedly contribute to their growth as players.
Although pre-season is already underway at the AXA Training Centre, the busy summer of international action means that many players will not report back until August, just weeks before the league opener. This could pose a challenge as they have limited time to integrate back into the team and regain match fitness.
Throughout the summer, Liverpool’s players accumulated an impressive total of 5,600 minutes of friendly and competitive action. However, the question remains: who played the most, who topped the scoresheet, and who provided the most assists?
In terms of minutes played, three Reds stood out by surpassing the 600-minute mark for their respective countries. Luis Diaz led the way with 660 minutes, followed closely by Virgil van Dijk with 648 minutes. Cody Gakpo also featured prominently with 600 minutes. These players have demonstrated their importance to their national teams and will return to Liverpool with valuable experience.
On the other hand, some players were on the periphery during the summer internationals. Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate, and Ryan Gravenberch were among those who played fewer minutes. While they may not have had as much game time, these opportunities will have given them a chance to learn from experienced teammates and further develop their skills.
Moving on to goals scored, Darwin Nunez had an impressive summer, netting five goals and earning a bronze medal at Copa America. Cody Gakpo also made a significant impact, sharing the Golden Boot with five others by scoring three goals. The forward line proved to be productive for Liverpool’s players, with Diaz, Bradley, Jota, Van Dijk, Salah, and Alexander-Arnold all finding the back of the net.
Assists were also crucial in contributing to the success of Liverpool’s internationals. Four players managed to score and provide an assist, with Andy Robertson and Mac Allister leading the way with two assists each. This highlights their ability to create opportunities for their teammates and shows their versatility as players.
Overall, Liverpool’s internationals had a fruitful summer, gaining valuable experience and making significant contributions to their respective teams. As they return to pre-season training, they will bring this newfound knowledge and confidence, which will benefit the team in the upcoming season. The challenge now lies in integrating these players back into the squad seamlessly and ensuring they are ready for the league opener. With their talent and international experiences, Liverpool’s players have the potential to make a strong impact in the upcoming season.