Renowned Liverpool icon John Aldridge has expressed discontent with the scheduling of this month’s international tournaments, citing concerns over the impact on Premier League clubs, including his beloved Liverpool, who are grappling with the absence of key players due to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and Asian Cup.
In his column for the Sunday World, Aldridge reflected on the evolving landscape of football, emphasizing the shifting dynamics from a time when international matches held special significance, being among the few games broadcasted live on TV.
He acknowledged that with the contemporary plethora of live matches and an abundance of choices, international football has, for many fans, lost the prominence it once enjoyed.
Aldridge’s discontent resonates particularly with the current scenario where clubs face the challenge of losing star players to international duties during a crucial phase in the domestic season.
He highlighted the potential impact on the Premier League title race and the battle for a top-four finish, citing Liverpool’s predicament with Mohamed Salah participating in the AFCON.
The Liverpool legend expressed frustration at the unique dynamics of football, drawing attention to the uncommon scenario where high-earning players, like Salah, temporarily leave their clubs to represent their national teams.
He raised concerns about the financial burden on clubs for the recovery and rehabilitation of players who might sustain injuries during international competitions.
Aldridge also noted the broader ramifications, pointing out that Liverpool is not the sole club grappling with such challenges.
Tottenham, for instance, faces the absence of captain Son Heung-min participating in the Asia Cup, potentially impacting their Premier League aspirations.
As clubs across Europe contend with the absence of key players, Aldridge posited that the outcome of league competitions could be significantly influenced by these disruptions. In conclusion, he speculated that if Liverpool falls short in the title race by a narrow margin, the absence of Salah during this crucial period could be a determining factor.
