Liverpool’s French defender Ibrahima Konate is about of play in the biggest game of his life, the World Cup Final against Argentina, but how have the rest of the Merseyside-based players fared in Qatar?
Trent Alexander-Arnold
The main pre- World Cup discussions involving Alexander-Arnold questioned Gareth Southgate’s faith in the player and whether he would even be going. Whilst the reds right back did make it to Qatar, it would be easy to think otherwise. A 33-minute group stage cameo against rivals Wales with the Three Lions already two-nil up left little to discuss about the Scouser’s time in Arabia.
Darwin Nunez
Despite this being former-red Luis Suarez’s final international tournament, Uraguay pulled up short, so there was no fairy tale ending. La Celeste (The Sky Blues) showed up short. The Liverpool striker failed to deliver and could have prevented the late downfall to surprise qualifiers South Korea.
Amadou Onana
In an ageing Belgium squad that showed the signs of a once great fire dying out, Everton’s Onana was a glimmering cinder of hope. The Red Devils were described by even their own players as “having no chance of winning” and “too old”. The Toffees midfielder played with enthusiasm and energy as his ‘golden age’ team crumbled around him.
Fabinho
Another Liverpool ace arguably wasted at this year’s tournament. After an impressive three years at Anfield, it felt like destiny to give the defensive midfielder a golden opportunity to represent his country on a global stage. Fabinho played the full final group game loss to Ghana with nothing of note to take from the seemingly insignificant fixture.
Idrissa Gueye
Senegal displayed potential to be dark horses after finishing second in their group with some electric performances against Ecuador and Qatar, even without talisman and ex-red Sadio Mané. Gueye demonstrated a combination of his long career of experience at both Everton and PSG to contribute to Senegal’s successful group stage but was suspended for the round of 16 loss against England.
Jordan Henderson
The Liverpool FC captain place in the team was also under scrutiny but proved many around the nation wrong. The 32-year-old, known for his stalwart leadership abilities demonstrated a true drive to perform well for his country and push younger teammates onward, embodying the nation’s passion for the game. Scoring against Wales and always the loudest on the pitch, Henderson is back home with his head held high.
Alisson Becker
Regarded as the best goalkeeper in the world Alisson put it all on the line for his Brazil side, bailing them out at numerous occasions with some show stopping saves and conceding only three goals before the Seleção unexpectedly came up short in a penalty shootout against Croatia in the quarter finals.
Jordan Pickford
England’s go-to keeper for several years now. Pickford was fiery as ever in directing his backline throughout their time in the tournament. The Everton keeper number one pulled off crucial saves against the USA and Wales to ensure knockout competition but was unable to prevent the piledriving French attacking force that eliminated Gareth Southgate’s men.
Conor Coady
Coady travelled to Qatar with the England squad but did not make an appearance in the end. Losing out to veterans John Stones, Harry Maguire and Eric Dier.
Virgil Van Dijk
Regarded by many as the best defender in the world, captained a lively Dutch outfit, who showed promise to go the distance in the tournament before being brutally knocked out in a quarterfinal penalty shout out against Argentina. The 31-year-old played every game for the Oranje and ensured two clean sheets whilst leading an exciting youthful squad that will no doubt be dangerous in the coming years.
