Overview of Liverpool's World Cup Representatives
After 104 games and numerous controversies, the World Cup concluded with Spain crowned champions, defeating Argentina in a disappointing final. Liverpool had eight players at the tournament, with Alexis Mac Allister and new signing Victor Munoz facing off in the final. Munoz became the sixth serving Liverpool player to win the World Cup, joining Roger Hunt, Ian Callaghan, Gerry Byrne, Fernando Torres, and Pepe Reina.
Victor Munoz: No Minutes, But a Winner
Munoz's World Cup was a non-event from a playing perspective. After Liverpool triggered his £34.5 million release clause at Osasuna, he picked up an injury and failed to play a single minute as Spain won the trophy. Nonetheless, he secured a winner's medal.
Alexis Mac Allister: Key Contributor for Argentina
Mac Allister played every minute except the group stage dead rubber against Jordan. He created a goal against Cape Verde and scored the opener in the quarter-final win over Switzerland. In a more advanced role, he helped Argentina reach the final, though he was among those who disappointed in the loss. He was booked only once in eight games.
Alisson Becker: Steady for Brazil
Alisson returned from injury to provide reliable goalkeeping for Brazil, though he could not prevent Erling Haaland's two goals in their elimination by Norway. He demonstrated why he remains one of the world's best goalkeepers.
Alexander Isak: Mixed Performances for Sweden
Isak played three full 90-minute games out of four for Sweden, a feat he rarely achieved for Liverpool. He started well with a goal and two assists against Tunisia, added another assist against Holland, but his performances diminished as the tournament progressed.
Cody Gakpo: Revitalised for Holland
Gakpo, playing on the left flank, was revitalised and sharp for Holland. He scored twice and set up another goal against Sweden. There was an emotional moment when he scored in the round of 32 defeat to Morocco shortly after news emerged of the loss of his unborn son.
Virgil van Dijk: Mixed Tournament
Van Dijk scored in the group draw with Japan and provided an assist against Tunisia. However, he continued to attract criticism in his homeland. Holland's defence conceded in all four games, reflecting a team built to attack rather than defend.
Ryan Gravenberch: Advanced Role Early On
Gravenberch operated in a more advanced midfield position for Holland than at Liverpool. He started strongly with two assists against Japan but was back in a defensive role for the loss against Morocco and was substituted before the late equaliser that led to a penalty shootout defeat.
Florian Wirtz: Assists but Unfulfilled Potential
Wirtz, playing off the left, provided assists in three of Germany's four games. However, there was a sense he could have done more, and he was off the pitch by the time Germany were controversially defeated by Paraguay on penalties.
