The final international break of the season is now behind us, and Arne Slot will be thankful none of his outfield players were asked to play every minute for their country.
Fourteen senior Liverpool players featured for their country, with five registering a goal or an assist.
Ahead of the break, Slot pleaded with his players’ international managers not to use them for the full 180 minutes, as they “need a break.”
His message was heard, maybe not to the extent he would have liked, but no outfield player was asked to play every minute, though Dominik Szoboszlai was rested for only three.
The Reds did not emerge from the break unscathed, though, with Jeremie Frimpong suffering a new injury in a brief cameo for the Netherlands, and Federico Chiesa pulling out before Italy’s games.
Liverpool minutes played in March international break
Milos Kerkez of Hungary (Photo by Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency) Credit: BSR Agency/Alamy Live News
Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha led the way for the most minutes played as England U19s played three qualifiers during the break, but every outfielder was afforded some rest.
Giorgi Mamardashvili was the only Liverpool player to be involved in every minute of action for his side, which is not bad news as he will need to step up in the absence of Alisson.
Trey Nyoni – 251
Rio Ngumoha – 190
Giorgi Mamardashvili – 180
Dominik Szoboszlai – 177
Milos Kerkez – 167
Andy Robertson – 161
Florian Wirtz – 151
Virgil van Dijk – 135
Alexis Mac Allister – 129
Ryan Gravenberch – 127
Hugo Ekitike – 93
Ibrahima Konate – 90
Cody Gakpo – 82
Jeremie Frimpong – 13
Goals
Florian Wirtz scored a wonderful free-kick as Germany beat Northern Ireland (PA Wire/PA)
Three Reds got on the scoresheet throughout the break, but Florian Wirtz‘s goals against Switzerland rightly went viral for twice finding the top corner in stunning fashion.
Slot’s job now will be to get the German in similar positions and with the freedom to shoot.
Wirtz – 2
Ekitike – 1
Van Dijk – 1
Assists
Alexis Mac Allister Argentina
Three players also set up goals, with Wirtz, again, leading the way with two against Switzerland, while Mac Allister and Gakpo both notched theirs in the final friendly match of the break.
Wirtz – 2
Mac Allister – 1
Gakpo – 1
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