Six Liverpool stars are facing an important international break as they look to impress for their countries and return to Anfield with renewed confidence ahead of the next run of fixtures
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 12: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Florian Wirtz of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Liverpool FC and Fulham at Anfield on September 12, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Florian Wirtz is among the players who continue to struggle at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool’s players have a chance to reset during the international break, but several will return to club duty under pressure to improve their form.
The Reds are unbeaten in seven matches across all competitions at the start of the new season, including two wins and three draws in the Premier League, which leaves them sixth in the table heading into the extended 16-day international break that began on September 21.
While Andoni Iraola can take plenty of positives from the opening weeks, there is still work to do if Liverpool is to compete at the top end of the Premier League and in the Champions League in the months ahead.
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With the international break providing a chance to reset, attention will turn to several Liverpool players who have work to do when club football resumes. Here are six players Liverpool.com believes are under pressure to make an impact.
Milos Kerkez
Milos Kerkez has established himself as Iraola's first-choice left-back, but his performances have been inconsistent since arriving from Bournemouth.
The Hungary international has shown flashes of the attacking quality Liverpool wanted, yet there have also been plenty of moments already this season where he has looked vulnerable defensively.
With Iraola already familiar with his game from their time together at Bournemouth, Kerkez has an opportunity to repay that faith and establish himself as a reliable long-term option.
Florian Wirtz
Florian Wirtz is the player with the biggest point to prove. As one of the club's record signings, he has yet to consistently produce the kind of influence expected of him.
He has been involved in some promising moments, including the build-up to Alexander Isak's winner against Bournemouth, but his overall impact has been limited at times this season.
With competition for attacking and midfield places increasing, Wirtz needs to turn his quality into more decisive performances and start contributing more goals and assists.
Jeremie Frimpong of Liverpool, Milos Kerkez of Liverpool celebrating
Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez have both had slow starts to the season
Jeremie Frimpong
Jeremie Frimpong has also had a mixed start to life at Liverpool and has yet to fully make the right-back position his own.
The Netherlands international has shown his attacking qualities but has also looked vulnerable at times in defence, with Ronald Araujo starting at right-back in a number of games already this season while the club continues to search for the right balance.
With Conor Bradley also expected to provide competition when he returns from injury, Frimpong needs to make the most of his opportunities and show he can be trusted to make an impact at both ends of the pitch.
Kostas Tsimikas
Kostas Tsimikas has endured a difficult return to Liverpool.
The Greek defender spent last season on loan at Roma before returning to Merseyside, but his first start of the campaign against Fulham lasted only 45 minutes before he was replaced by Kerkez.
Having remained at Liverpool after the summer window, Tsimikas now needs to show that he can be a dependable option at left-back and provide genuine competition for Kerkez rather than simply filling a squad role.
Victor Munoz
Victor Munoz has made a promising impression since joining Liverpool, but the winger now needs to turn those flashes into a sustained challenge for a starting place.
He has already been trusted by Iraola, including a start against Fulham, but was back on the bench for the trip to Bournemouth.
With competition from the likes of Bradley Barcola, Cody Gakpo, and Rio Ngumoha, Munoz needs to make the most of his opportunities when they come.
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Bradley Barcola
Barcola arrived with huge expectations after his move from Paris Saint-Germain, but his start at Liverpool has been disrupted by a lack of pre-season minutes.
Iraola has already admitted that the club has been working to build the France international's physical condition, although he has since started against Atletico Madrid and Bournemouth.
With his fitness improving, Barcola now has the chance to show why Liverpool invested heavily in him and become a consistent threat in the attack.