Premier League players who shone in the international break | OneFootball

Following October’s international break, we’ve picked out the Premier League players who impressed in their country’s colours this month.

Mikel Merino – Spain

Mikel Merino can’t stop scoring for Spain. The Arsenal midfielder continued his purple patch with the national team by netting twice in Spain’s 4-0 win over Bulgaria on Tuesday.

Merino started the clash in Valladolid and netted a brace of headers for La Roja. Though his club place is under threat this season, the 29-year-old has made himself undroppable for the European champions.

He’s now scored six goals in his last four caps. Maybe Mikel Arteta was right all along about his ability as a centre-forward…

Cody Gakpo – Netherlands

Cody Gakpo silenced recent criticism of his club form with a productive international break.

Gakpo scored twice from the penalty spot during the 4-0 win over Malta, extending his impressive record with the Dutch to 18 goals. He also provided an assist for Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders. Three days later, he scored his third goal of the break to seal a 4-0 win over Finland.

Erling Haaland – Norway

Erling Haaland has fired Norway within touching distance of a first World Cup since 1998. Haaland hit a hat-trick – after missing a twice-taken early penalty – as Norway thrashed Israel 5-0 to retain their place at the summit of Group I.

Norway are now guaranteed at least a play-off place, and with Haaland in their ranks will be tough to stop. The 25-year-old has now scored 51 goals in 46 caps for the national team. Scary stuff.

Mohammed Kudus – Ghana

Ghana are heading to the 2026 World Cup after back-to-back wins confirmed The Black Stars of a place in next summer’s tournament.

Mohammed Kudus was influential in their results this month, assisting Mohammed Salisu’s opener in the 5-0 win over Central African Republic, before netting the decisive goal as Comoros were beaten 1-0.

That latter strike sealed Ghana’s place at the World Cup and continued Kudus’ impressive club form. He’s made a superb start since signing for Spurs in the summer.

Estevao Willian – Brazil

Estevao Willian headed into the international break on a high, as the teenager’s first Chelsea goal sealed a dramatic win over Premier League champions Liverpool. He returns in similarly high spirits, after a performance for Brazil that might have sealed his place in next summer’s World Cup squad.

Estevao was excellent as Brazil eased past South Korea in a friendly, scoring twice in a 5-0 win and combining well with Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo. Though still just 18 and with plenty to learn, the winger is already making a difference for the Selecao.

Read – England Player Ratings: Kane Stars as Three Lions Secure 2026 World Cup Spot

See more – The biggest nations at risk of missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup

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