International manager may have done Arne Slot a big favour with 'unique' player last night - opinion
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.
The international break is almost over and Arne Slot will be praying that all his players return fully fit.
The Reds are the only team in the Premier League to have a 100% winning record going into the break, even if they are very lucky to be.
But winning by any means necessary and finding a way is the sign of champions, suggesting that it is a much better start than many may think.
However, with so many players currently representing their countries, Slot will be waiting anxiously and hoping that none of his players suffer any major injuries.
Some in particular will be more of a worry than others due to their previous history or even just sheer importance to the team, but luckily for the Dutchman some are already preparing to return home safely.
And, one International manager may have done him a huge favour, meaning that Liverpool have a huge fitness boost heading into their game against Burnley.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
It is no surprise to see so many Liverpool players representing their countries due to the number of high quality stars at the club, but some nations have a lot more than others.
When everyone is fit, the Netherlands have four Reds stars available, but with Jeremie Frimpong out, they took just the three.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
And, Slot might now be a big fan of his fellow Dutch manager Ronald Koeman as the ex Southampton boss decided against bringing on Ryan Gravenberch during their 3-2 win over Lithuania.
Despite the midfielder being an important figure in the middle of the pitch for both club and country, Koeman gave a number of stars a rest, with Gravenberch one of these.
READ MORE: Hugo Ekitike suggests Alexander Isak’s arrival could be a ‘problem’ for someone at Liverpool
Although he was not injured or even a doubt, Slot will love this as the 23-year-old does not often get a rest due to his importance in his side, meaning this is a rare, one-off time where he can sit back and watch.
The midfielder also suffered from somewhat of a burnout last season, with decisions like this helping avoid history repeating itself.
Gravenberch is certainly vital to Liverpool’s team too as when he is absent, the effects are really felt, with the midfielder truly ‘unique’.
He missed both the Community Shield game and opening match of the Premier League, both matches when the Reds struggled defensively.
Although the defence was still a little shaky when he came back against Newcastle, the Dutchman scored an important goal to help win the match.
And, in the most recent clash against Arsenal, he played a vital role in helping keep a clean sheet, proving that when he is in the team, Liverpool are better all-round.