Hey Reds! Sadly, we have to wait 38 days until Liverpool plays again! Usually, Premier League fans have an extremely busy Christmas fixture list to look forward to. However, for the first time ever, we have a winter World Cup to look forward to.
As an Irishman with a South African family, World Cups are usually pretty bleak for me! 2010 was the last World Cup I had one of my nations to route for, and that's because South Africa automatically qualified because they hosted the competition... So for me, I will be supporting all the Liverpool players and their countries. In total, Liverpool has 7 players competing in this year's World Cup in Qatar. Let's take a look at the players and their countries to look out for.
2 Liverpool players will be representing Brazil, in the form of Alisson Becker and Fabinho. The Seleção is one of the heavy favorites to lift the famous World Cup trophy in December. AB1 has been phenomenal for the Reds this season and should be the main man between the sticks for the Brazilians. Fabinho will be competing for a starting spot against some high-class midfielders in the Brazilian squad. After his fantastic form this season, it was a massive surprise to not see Roberto Firmino's name on the squad list for Qatar. Brazil will face Serbia, Switzerland, and Cameroon in Group G. Brazil is always an exciting nation to watch, and even more so with a couple of our own in the squad.
2 Reds will also be representing England, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson being called up to the squad. It is hard to predict if either Trent or Hendo will start, as Gareth Southgate has a vastly different approach compared to Jürgen Klopp. Stateside LFC supporters will be put in a tough spot on the 25th of November, as England and USA face off in a group-stage clash! Wales and Iran are the two other teams in Group B. After reaching the Final of the European Championship last summer, the Three Lions have their hopes on a successful World Cup run.
This will be Virgil van Dijk's first World Cup after his Dutch side missed out on the previous competition in 2018. Virgil will captain the Oranje team as they look to make it out of Group A against Qatar, Ecuador, and Senegal. VVD will come up against his old Liverpool teammate, Sadio Mane in his first group game. Despite missing out on big tournaments in recent years, the Dutch team is on a 15-game unbeaten run so will be confident going to Qatar.
Ibrahima Konate will be going to Qatar with France in an attempt to retain the World Cup trophy. The French defender has been extremely solid for the Reds since returning from injury. The current holders will enter this year's tournament as one of the favorites again. Les Bleus will face Australia, Denmark, and Tunisia in Group D. Although the young center-back is not predicted to start for France, it will be a great experience for Ibrahima.
Darwin Núñez will be leading the line for Uruguay in Qatar. Liverpool's star signing has been in top form in recent weeks, so the youngster's confidence will be through the roof. La Celeste has an extremely exciting squad going into the World Cup, including Liverpool legend, Luis Suárez. Darwin will be facing South Korea, Portugal, and Ghana in Group H. Given his recent form, Darwin is definitely one of the players to watch at this year's upcoming World Cup!
Good luck to all the Reds present and past. Here's hoping one of our own lifts the famous World Cup Trophy!
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