Five Premier League players who shone in the international break | OneFootball

The first international break of the season has concluded, as qualification for next summer’s World Cup heated up.

Premier League players jetted far and wide to represent their countries with several shining on the international stage. Here are five Premier League players who shone during the international break.

Mikel Merino

Mikel Merino is enjoying a purple patch in Spain colours and extended his recent record to six goals in six games for La Roja. The Arsenal midfielder had netted just twice in his first 31 appearances for his country, but has found his groove of late.

Merino scored as Spain eased to a 3-0 win in Bulgaria, before adding a hat-trick in a statement win over Turkey. Luis de la Fuente’s side thrashed Turkey 6-0 in their World Cup qualifier in Konya.

The 29-year-old netted his first of the night on 22 minutes before doubling his tally before half-time. A superb curling finish from distance completed his hat-trick and earned Merino the match ball. There’s a reason Mikel Arteta used his compatriot as an auxiliary forward last season…

Elliot Anderson

An impressive introduction into the England set-up for the Nottingham Forest midfielder, who started both games for the Three Lions. Anderson’s eye-catching debut against Andorra was rewarded with a second start in Serbia, where he was central to an impressive 5-0 win for Thomas Tuchel’s side.

The 22-year-old looks assured in possession and offers the right blend of tenacity and ball progression to thrive at this level. England’s midfield looked well balanced with Anderson in alongside Declan Rice.

Noni Madueke

Competition is fierce for a place among England’s attacking options but Noni Madueke has done his chances of a World Cup place no harm this month.

The Arsenal winger was a positive performer in an otherwise drab win over Andorra, before standing out with another lively display against Serbia. He scored the second of the night in Belgrade with his first international goal, bursting in behind and finishing confidently.

Sandro Tonali

Sandro Tonali was the hero for Italy as the Azzurri edged Israel in the game of the international break. A topsy-turvy contest ended 5-4 to the Italians with Tonali scoring a stoppage-time winner.

It was a huge moment for Italy, who twice came from behind and conceded a late equaliser before Tonali’s intervention. The win lifts Italy into second in the group, above Israel on goal difference. It could be a turning point in their campaign.

Erling Haaland

Erling Haaland enjoyed a big night out as Norway thrashed Moldova 11-1 to move closer to a first World Cup since 1998.

Haaland hit five goals and created two more for the Norwegians, with the 25-year-old scoring five times in a game for the national team for the first time.

It was a fifth Norway hat-trick for the nation’s record scorer, who has now netted 48 times in just 45 caps. A phenomenon, who deserves to be on the World Cup stage.

Read – The biggest ever Premier League transfer spends adjusted for inflation

See more – The best value transfers in the Premier League this summer

Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok