The 2024 Copa America presented an opportunity for four Liverpool players to shine on the international stage. Each player had their moments, but who will have impressed Arne Slot the most ahead of a new Premier League season?
Liverpool at the Copa America: Who Was ‘Integral’?
Alexis Mac Allister: A
Alexis Mac Allister returns to Anfield with a winner’s medal, having featured heavily for Argentina. Highlights include assists against Canada and Ecuador as he stepped up at key moments in the tournament.
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In a team with so many big names, Mac Allister quietly resumed his role of cleaning up in midfield. He regularly won duels, threw himself into key tackles, and was assured in possession.
It was not a headline-grabbing tournament, but that is not what Liverpool need or expect from Mac Allister. Slot will instead be delighted with how the Argentinian linked the team together, which paid off handsomely on the pitch. He has been described as an “integral player” to the victory.
Alisson Becker: B+
It was a highly disappointing tournament for Brazil, though Alisson can hardly be blamed. He conceded just two goals in four matches, saving a penalty in the shoot-out against Uruguay, which Brazil ultimately lost.
Alisson made 11 saves during the Copa America and was typically measured between the posts. He rarely had the chance to perform any goalkeeping heroics, nor did he ever let the team down.
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Liverpool know exactly what they get from Alisson and this tournament was no different. He is a goalkeeper who makes few mistakes and is dependable as the team’s last line of defence. The Copa America did little to tarnish the Brazilian’s reputation.
Darwin Nunez: B
It all started so well for Darwin Nunez. A goal in each of his first two matches showed that Nunez was at his chaotic best for Uruguay. However, his tournament would quickly go downhill.
He missed a free header at a key moment against Brazil in the quarter-finals, before failing to capitalise on chances against Colombia as Uruguay crashed out in the semi-finals. His performances in the knockout stages were reminiscent of his recent struggles for Liverpool in front of goal.
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When he was confident, Nunez was spearheading the Uruguay team towards glory. Slot will need to figure out how he can harness Nunez’s evident talent in the best possible way.
Luis Diaz: B-
Luis Diaz came into the Copa America with an uncertain club future and needed a strong tournament to regain his confidence. He was “exquisite” against Costa Rica and Panama, scoring against both, but mediocre in the more crucial matches.
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He failed to make an impression in the final against Argentina, and this lack of big-match impact will concern Liverpool. Diaz has talent, but consistency has let him down at times for the Reds.
Diaz racked up crucial minutes, but his performances have not shown that he can be Liverpool’s leading winger next season. This could influence Slot’s decision to keep the Colombian and how he will be used, especially with Cody Gakpo in strong form.
