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Liverpool player ratings: International stars – FOUR injured, two aces wow, Alisson error
LIVERPOOL players endured mixed fortunes on their international duties – but who starred and who failed to deliver?
Liverpool players are returning to Merseyside following their exploits over the international break, though four stars will arrive back at Melwood with injuries.
Virgil van Dijk has played through a rib injury for a couple of weeks and was released early by the Netherlands halfway through their camp.
Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Naby Keita have also picked up a variety of knocks and will be assessed upon arrival.
There was plenty of good news for Liverpool fans though as several stars made a huge impact over the weekend – take a look below to reveal our international break ratings.
Roberto Firmino (Brazil) vs Saudi Arabia, Argentina
Unused in the first game, and barely made any kind of impact on the Argentina clash. 5
Mohamed Salah (Egypt) vs Swaziland (H), Swaziland (A)
Scored directly from a free-kick in the opening game before leaving the field with a muscle strain. He was flown back to Liverpool before the second clash. 6
Sadio Mane (Senegal) vs Sudan (H), Sudan (A)
Broke a bone in his hand which kept him out of the second fixture, but impressed during a 3-0 win to kick start the international break. 6
Xherdan Shaqiri (Switzerland) vs Belgium, Iceland
His dangerous free-kick sparked a scramble that led to Switzerland scoring against Belgium. Shaqiri was denied a goal after a terrific save from Thibaut Courtois. Recorded an assist versus Iceland. 8
Allison (Brazil) vs Saudi Arabia, Argentina
Kept two clean sheets, but was barely tested in either game. He was caught lingering on the ball very close to his goal line again, and was very nearly punished by Angel Correa. 6
Jordan Henderson (England) vs Croatia, Spain
Failed to inspire during a drab draw with Croatia. He hasn’t looked up to his best so far this season. 5
Georginio Wijnaldum (Netherlands) vs Germany, Belgium
Carried his club form onto the international stage with an efficient game against Germany and a great goal as well. 7
Naby Keita (Guinea) vs Rwanda (H), Rwanda (A)
Guided Guinea to victory in their first clash after winning a penalty but left the field during the second game with a worrying injury. 6
Fabinho (Brazil) vs Saudi Arabia, Argentina
Untroubled against Saudi Arabia. Played the second half against Argentina and looked very comfortable slotting into the side at right-back. 7
Simon Mignolet (Belgium) vs Switzerland, Netherlands
He was given a full 90 minutes in the Netherlands friendly, made a great save from a Memphis Depay shot but couldn’t prevent their goal. 6
Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands) vs Germany, Belgium
One or two uncharacteristic moments of shakiness in the first half against Germany, but battled through his rib injury to produce a defensive masterclass in the second 45 minutes. 7
Joe Gomez (England) vs Croatia, Spain
This felt like a ‘coming of age’ for the young centre-back who produced two fine, mature displays in contrasting atmospheres like a seasoned veteran. A massive week for him. 8
Dejan Lovren (Croatia) vs England, Jordan
Kept a clean sheet versus England but had the Three Lions taken their golden chances, Lovren’s defence would’ve conceded four. 5
Andrew Robertson (Scotland) vs Israel, Portugal
Involved in the embarrassing defeat against Israel where is quality should have been prominent. Couldn’t do anything to prevent Portugal from cruising to victory. 5