As international matches continues to take centre stage, some Premier League players have shown their ability to dominate for both club and country.
From Belgium’s midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne to Portugal’s Diogo Dalot, here are the Premier League player who have impressed in round 1 of the UEFA Nations League group stages.
Harambee Stars struggled to capitalize on their dominance in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier played at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala.
The international fixtures opened with Azerbaijan hosting Sweden where Alexander Isak, Newcastle’s striker scored a brace to secure a win for his nation. Alongside him were Antony Elanga of Nottingham Forest and Dejan Kulisevski of Tottenham.
Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1. In this fixture, Manchester United was well represented by Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot. Both of then combined to score Portugal’s first goal. Pedro Neto was also dangerous on the wing for his team, while Reuben Diaz pulled off a solid performance despite conceding an own goal through Dalot.
The AGM which was set to determine the club's next elections was set to take place on Saturday, 7th September, but has been halted by the Sports Disputes Tribunal
On Friday, Belgium took on Israel and pulled off an emphatic win. Among the scorers were Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne who scored in open play and converted a penalty. Youri Teilemans of Aston Villa also got on the score sheet when Israel forced an own goal through Timothy Castagne.
England faced their neighbours Ireland in a recurrent grudge match where England flexed on their opponents and defeated them 2-0. Among the scorers were former Irish men Declan Rice of Arsenal who provided an assist for Jack Grealish of Manchester City who is also a former Irish man.
By this alone you can tell the quality of the players from the Premier League when they head for international breaks.
Kenya were wasteful with the few chances they got in a game where they dominated ball possession during their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
The only mishit was Erling Haaland who was expected to get on the scoresheet when Norway took on Kazakhstan.
Focus now shifts to England’s match against Ireland where more Premier League players will be in action, including Eberechi Eze, Harry Maguire and Trent Alexander Arnold among others.