“I Don’t See it as a Good Thing” – Dave Davis Shares his Worries Over Liverpool Duo’s International Performances | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Worry Grows: Trent and Gravenberch’s International Brilliance is Bad News for the Reds

I don’t see it as a good thing at all. Liverpool Football Club have been handed an uncomfortable reminder of what happens when their key players shine on the international stage. Recent performances from Trent Alexander-Arnold for England and Ryan Gravenberch for the Netherlands have been nothing short of sensational, as captured in the comments from those who watched circulating social media. But these impressive displays come with a looming concern for Liverpool’s already-packed fixture schedule. It’s not good that international football has finally cottoned on.

Trent Alexander-Arnold: A Man of the Match Display

The main talking point of the Ireland-England game was about one man afterwards: Trent Alexander-Arnold. His numbers from the game tell the full story of his dominance: 108 touches (the most of any player), 87% passing accuracy, 10 passes into the final third, 7 ball recoveries, 2 chances created, and a perfect 2/2 tackles won. The image of him holding the Man of the Match award after his stellar performance only cements the fact that England have realised just how valuable he is. It’s akin to discovering fire, despite the fact we’ve seen passes like that one to Anthony Gordon umpteen times.

Photo: IMAGO

For Liverpool, this is both a point of pride and a concern. With a jam-packed schedule, Alexander-Arnold’s rising role in the national team could spell trouble, particularly as he barely featured in the Euros, allowing him to return to Liverpool fresh and ready for the season. We all saw the images and sensed the determination in how he talked about the coming season. Now the stakes are higher, and the wear-and-tear of international duty is a genuine worry.

Gravenberch’s Rise for the Netherlands

Meanwhile, the images and created compilations of Ryan Gravenberch in action for the Netherlands show a player brimming with confidence. As Van der Vaart stated, “Ryan Gravenberch is playing very good! Super sharp, looking like a free man, super dynamic, always between the lines. He is playing with so much confidence, it’s finally coming out!” The highlights show him gliding effortlessly through the midfield, fully embodying that praise.

Photo: IMAGO

His statistics further demonstrate why he’s becoming a key player for his country: 90 minutes played, 92% pass accuracy, 2 chances created, 7 passes into the final third, 2/2 accurate crosses, and 8 ball recoveries. He’s quickly becoming a key figure in the Dutch side, much to the potential detriment of Liverpool. Like Alexander-Arnold, Gravenberch benefited from not featuring in the Euros. However, the Netherlands has unlocked his potential, and this surge in responsibility could have consequences for his fitness as the season progresses.

Heavy Schedules and Potential Scapegoats

The concern isn’t just physical. As both players become more integral to their national teams, they are exposed to the sniping environments that come with being key figures on the international stage. The recent attacks on Van Dijk, often scrutinised then attacked by Dutch legends and media, serve as a reminder that players can quickly become scapegoats when things go wrong. Will Trent and Gravenberch suffer the same fate if England or the Netherlands falter?

These rising expectations are a double-edged sword. For Liverpool, watching their stars shine in international competitions is a source of pride for some, but with the toll it takes on their bodies and minds, Slot and his team have every reason to be concerned.

A Bad Development

The images of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ryan Gravenberch celebrating their international success reflect more than just pride. They are warnings for Liverpool, as these players are now being recognised as pivotal figures for their countries. While their current form is fantastic, it raises the question: how long can they continue to juggle both club and country without something giving? Some Liverpool fans may be thrilled to see their players perform at such a high level, but the packed fixture list for both club and country is a ticking time bomb. The best-case scenario is that both Trent and Gravenberch remain fit and in form. The worst? Fatigue, injuries, and a loss of focus that could jeopardise Liverpool’s ambitions this season. I don’t see this as a good thing.