Liverpool Stars Shine on International Stage as Ekitike and Szoboszlai Lead the Way

For many Liverpool players, the November international break could not have come at a better time. After an inconsistent spell under Arne Slot, the chance to step away from club football and perform for their countries offers an opportunity to regain confidence — and perhaps even rediscover the rhythm that defined their early-season promise.

And for some, that process is already well underway. On Thursday night in Kyiv, Hugo Ekitike delivered the defining moment of his young international career, scoring his first goal for France in a 4–0 win over Ukraine that sealed Les Bleus’ place at the 2026 World Cup.

Introduced midway through the second half with the game still delicately poised at 1–0, the 23-year-old Liverpool striker made an immediate impact. Two minutes from time, Ekitike burst forward from halfway, exchanged a slick one-two with Kylian Mbappé, and finished confidently beyond Anatoliy Trubin. It was a goal that spoke of raw pace, composure, and conviction — qualities Liverpool fans have been longing to see more consistently in red.

It’s been a difficult few months for Ekitike at club level, where he has struggled to establish himself in Slot’s fluid attacking setup. But this strike — for his country, in a crucial qualifier — might just serve as the spark he needs. “It’s a moment I’ll never forget,” he told French TV after the game. “I’ve worked hard for this, and I hope it’s just the beginning.”

Meanwhile, in Yerevan, Dominik Szoboszlai was back to his influential best for Hungary, registering an assist in their 1–0 win over Armenia. The Liverpool midfielder set up Barnabás Varga’s decisive 33rd-minute goal, delivering a pinpoint pass that split the defence and put Hungary on the verge of qualification. For Szoboszlai — whose form has dipped slightly since his bright start to life at Anfield — the performance was a timely reminder of his creative influence when given freedom and responsibility.

Elsewhere, Wataru Endo will play for Japan in a friendly with Ghana, while Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo prepared to lead the Netherlands in a pivotal tie against Poland on Friday evening. Florian Wirtz, fresh from Germany’s tight qualification race, will face Luxembourg before a potential group-deciding clash with Slovakia, while Mohamed Salah continues to carry Egypt’s hopes into friendlies against Uzbekistan and Iran or Cape Verde.

Liverpool’s wide international spread reflects both the squad’s global quality and its current challenges. Several players — including Andy Robertson with Scotland and Alexander Isak with Sweden — are entering decisive stages in qualification. Robertson’s Scotland are chasing automatic qualification from their group, while Isak’s Sweden must rely on their Nations League ranking to reach the play-offs.

For Isak, who has endured a frustrating start to his Liverpool career since arriving for a British record fee in August, the break could be vital. Working under Graham Potter, recently appointed as Sweden’s head coach, might help the striker rediscover the sharpness that made him one of Europe’s most coveted forwards. Potter’s reputation for detailed coaching and attacking balance could bring structure to Isak’s game — and Liverpool will hope that confidence travels back across the North Sea.

With 15 Liverpool players away on international duty, Arne Slot can only watch and hope that his squad returns rejuvenated and free from injury. The coming week features key fixtures for the Netherlands, Germany, Scotland, and France, among others, with several Reds just one win away from confirming their World Cup tickets.

For now, though, the early signs are positive. Ekitike has his first goal for France, Szoboszlai is back creating chances, and the rest of Liverpool’s international contingent are beginning to find their rhythm. After a turbulent few weeks at club level, that could be just what Slot’s side needs when domestic football resumes.