As the international break nears its final few days, plenty of Liverpool stars have been in action for their nation before they return to club action with the Reds
Florian Wirtz has impressed for Germany during the international break
Florian Wirtz has impressed for Germany during the international break(Image: (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images))
The first extended three-week international break is coming to a close, with players featuring in their final matches before they return to their clubs for the next part of the domestic season.
It's been an international break like no other, with players having to feature in four matches that combined the September and October break into one, allowing the league season to truly get underway. Liverpool has had plenty of stars jetting off to feature for their nation — including Florian Wirtz — with as many as six featuring in matches across Sunday in the UEFA Nations League.
So, with that said, here's a look at the latest international roundup from another round of fixtures across the world.
Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands)
Liverpool and Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk started for his nation in its clash with Serbia on Sunday, reaching the 100 appearance milestone in international soccer as a result. The defender had a special moment when he walked out onto the pitch with his son, and he was also gifted a special jersey with the number 100 on it.
As the game got underway, the Liverpool star played a somewhat indirect hand in the opening goal, dummying the ball through his own run from a Teun Koopmeiners free-kick, which went all the way into the back of the net.
Virgil van Dijk made his 100th appearance for the Netherlands national team
Virgil van Dijk made his 100th appearance for the Netherlands national team(Image: (Photo by Dijks Media/MB Media/Getty Images))
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Serbia equalized shortly after, but a Joshua Zirkzee finish in the second half ensured that Van Dijk's 100th appearance ended in ideal style, even without the clean sheet.
Ryan Gravenberch (Netherlands)
Ryan Gravenberch also started for the Netherlands in its 2-1 win over Serbia, featuring in the heart of midfield for new manager Xavi Hernandez. The Liverpool ace was substituted around the hour mark, completing his shift in the international break with the Oranje.
Jeremie Frimpong (Netherlands)
It was far from an ideal international break for Jeremie Frimpong, who didn't receive a single minute of playing time for the Netherlands during the three-week spell away. The defender was an unused substitute for the Oranje in its win over Serbia, while he made three squad out of the four available in the break altogether.
Florian Wirtz (Germany)
Jurgen Klopp showed his faith in Wirtz once again, as the Germany head coach handed the captain's armband to the Liverpool star for the side's meeting with Greece.
While there were signs of his quality once again, after a positive display against Serbia, he was unable to find the one moment that would unlock the opposition. The match ended in a frustrating goalless draw for Germany, finishing the break with one win, two draws, and one defeat.
Kostas Tsimikas (Greece)
Kostas Tsimikas played the full 90 minutes for Greece once again, as the Liverpool left-back played an important role in another key match.
Greece walked out with a 0-0 draw, ensuring its UEFA Nations League campaign would end with a win and a draw over Germany. The side has an impressive eight points from four matches, level with the Netherlands in first, setting up an intriguing final two matches of the group.
Lewis Koumas (Wales)
Liverpool ace Lewis Koumas started once again for Wales, as the side looked to build on a much-needed win against Norway in the UEFA Nations League.
In a clash with Denmark, the side was unable to do that, as a Rasmus Hojlund goal in the 75th minute proved to be the difference. Koumas featured for 56 minutes before he was substituted.