Surprisingly, only 7 Liverpool players will be headed to the upcoming World Cup.
However, the likes of France’s Ibrahima Konate and Netherlands’ Virgil van Dijk could return to Merseyside as World Cup champions, with both countries touted to go far in the competition.
As Jurgen Klopp’s side have a plethora of superstar names, we decided to assess the best XI from those that missed out on a ticket to Qatar.
Robertson headlines a Reds defence that will stay back in Merseyside
Perhaps the biggest miss from the Liverpool defence set not to showcase their class in Qatar is undoubtedly Andy Robertson, who is easily one of the best left-backs in the world.
Unfortunately for the Scotland skipper, his side suffered a 3-1 defeat to Ukraine in the playoff semi-final, which decided his nation’s fate.
Robertson will be joined by fellow countryman, Calvin Ramsay in our back four.
As for Joe Gomez, a poor start to the season, as well as an injury-ridden campaign last term meant Gareth Southgate was forced to overlook the England international.
While Joel Matip would perhaps made an exciting Cameroon side an even bigger threat, the experienced defender decided not to represent his country back in 2017 due to being discontent with the national team set-up.
Perhaps one of Europe’s most dependable No.2’s in Caoimhin Kelleher will be unable to don the gloves for the Republic of Ireland, as his nation failed to qualify from Group A of the UEFA European Qualifiers.
Elliott and Keita join Spain’s most controversial exclusion in Thiago
There is a strong argument to suggest that Luis Enrique’s decision to exclude Thiago from Spain’s 26-man squad is the biggest shock out of all the household names that were asked to stay at home.
Bafflingly, the former Barcelona boss seems to prefer the likes of Blaugrana duo, Pedri and Gavi, as well as the likes of Carlos Soler, Koke and Marcos Llorento as his attack-minded midfield options to one of the most elite No.8’s on the planet.
As for Harvey Elliott, it seems like the upcoming World Cup came too early for his inclusion. However, the youngster seems to be guaranteed to make the cut for the Three Lions’ Euro 2024 roster.
While it would have been a sight to behold to see Guinean talisman, Naby Keita lead his side out in Qatar, his country exited in the group stages of the CAF Second Round.
Salah spearheads a star-studded front 3 that will watch the World Cup from home
Mohamed Salah’s World Cup hopes were shattered by none other than former Liverpool teammate, Sadio Mane, who broke Egyptian hearts by dispatching his spot-kick in the 2nd leg of the playoff tie.
Infamously, Salah failed to put his penalty past Edouard Mendy, which means one of the best players in the world will be absent from the showpiece event.
Alongside Thiago, one of the tournament’s biggest exclusions is also Roberto Firmino, who has been in cracking form in a struggling Reds side this season.
Luis Diaz caps off a dream frontline, as Colombia finished outside the top 5 of the CONMEBOL standings.
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