Five things Arne Slot learned at Liverpool over the international break

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Arne Slot maintained a perfect Premier League record at Liverpool heading into the September international break.

The Reds gained an early advantage in the title race following the 1-0 win against Arsenal last time out as Dominik Szoboszlai’s “incredible” free kick claimed the three points at Anfield.

However, the start to the 2025/26 Premier League campaign has not been smooth sailing for the Reds; they squandered a two-goal lead in both of their opening fixtures.

Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha emerged from the bench to score match-winners against Bournemouth and Newcastle United, but the frailties in the title-winning side were laid bare.

Now, Slot must ensure that Liverpool do not lose their momentum heading into the clash at Burnley after the international fixtures, and here are five things the Dutchman will have learned over the break.

Dominik Szoboszlai should be undroppable for Liverpool

The 24-year-old has risen to the challenge at Anfield this season, with Florian Wirtz’s £116 million arrival from Bayer Leverkusen jeopardising his place in the starting line-up.

Szoboszlai left Liverpool fans in awe of his performances at makeshift right-back, and his stunning strike against Arsenal was the culmination of his remarkable development this season.

Hungary boss Marco Rossi claimed Szoboszlai is “one of the best” in the world at the number six position, and his recent performances for club and country certainly make him an undroppable starter for Slot.

Alexander Isak is unlikely to start vs Burnley

TBR Football reported that Alexander Isak could start against Burnley on Sunday, but that hope has quickly diminished after his limited exposure with Sweden.

The 25-year-old was an unused substitute for the 2-2 draw against Slovenia and only played 18 minutes off the bench during the 2-0 loss against Kosovo on Monday.

Isak is expected to be named on the bench for the trip to Turf Moor, and this appears to be the most likely outcome as Isak had no pre-season at Newcastle United and was only granted a bit-part role for Sweden.

Ibrahima Konate rediscovers his best form for France

Ibrahima Konate has been the scapegoat for Liverpool’s defensive woes at the beginning of the season, and admittedly, the defender has looked nowhere near his best at Anfield.

This could be due to his uncertain future at the Reds as he enters the final year of his deal although TBR Football understands Richard Hughes has continued talks with Konate over the international break.

However, Konate produced a moment of magic for France in the 2-0 win over Ukraine with a sensational goalline clearance. He has starred for his country in both World Cup qualifiers and should return to Anfield ready to display his best form.

Andy Robertson can rival Milos Kerkez at Liverpool

Milos Kerkez has taken Andy Robertson’s place in the starting line-up since his £40 million move from Bournemouth this summer.

However, Kerkez was unimpressive for Hungary during the 3-2 loss against Portugal, and the 21-year-old has earned his fair share of criticism for his underwhelming displays since arriving at Anfield.

Whereas Robertson dazzled for Scotland as he rolled back the years with a sensational performance against Denmark, perhaps Kerkez’s starting berth at Liverpool is not as set in stone as originally thought.

Alexis Mac Allister hands Arne Slot a welcome fitness boost

Alexis Mac Allister has been in and out of the Liverpool squad this season as the Argentine was absent from the matchday squad to face Newcastle as he nursed a fresh injury setback.

He did, however, start the win against Arsenal, but he was replaced by Curtis Jones on the hour mark, with Slot eager to manage his involvement.

And although Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni raised concerns after admitting Mac Allister was “not at 100 percent,” as he was left on the bench for the first match, he completed his first 90 minutes since April in the loss against Ecuador and should return to Anfield raring to go.