While many of Atlanta United's players were getting some important rest over the international window others were flying off to represent their countries internationally. Six of Atlanta United's current players have been called up to represent the US, Greece, Peru, Argentina, Haiti, and Trinidad & Tobago. In addition, ex-Atlanta United players Miguel Almiron and Josef Martinez are being called up to represent their countries, as well. So how are they doing over the international break?
Miles Robinson
Miles Robinson has been called up for two games this international window, the CONCACAF Nations League semifinal and final. In the semifinal against Mexico, the center back started alongside Chris Richards and was an important part of the defense that allowed the USA to secure a shutout against Mexico. Apart from a questionable yellow card late in a really crazy, chippy match, Miles Robinson could do little wrong and put up a great defensive showing to earn a match rating of 7.5 on FotMob. Heading into the final against Canada Miles has surely done enough to secure another starting spot in B.J. Callaghan's squad.
Georgios Giakoumakis
Turning to Atlanta United's leading scorer, Giakoumakis is playing for Greece who are working on securing an appearance in the 2024 European Championship in Germany. Currently, Greece sits second in a tough qualifying group, right in between France and the Netherlands. Following an appearance off of the bench in their 2-1 win over Ireland, Giakoumakis will be looking for more playing time. Greece will also need his help against a very strong France team who lost in the World Cup Final to Argentina last year.
Luis Abram
Looking back at defense, Luis Abram has been playing for Peru in their pair of friendlies. In their 1-0 win over South Korea, the center back came off the bench for 33 minutes of the shutout. Then, in their continuing tour of Asia, Peru will trade Busan for Osaka as they play against the Blue Samurai. This will be a real test for Peru's defense as Japan's attack boasts a number of impressive names including Kaoru Mitoma and Ritsu Doan.
Thiago Almada
Atlanta United's starlet will be hoping to earn some minutes in Argentina's upcoming game in Jakarta. After a comfortable 2-0 win over Australia that saw Messi score his earliest goal ever Argentina is jetting off to Indonesia for their second of two friendlies. Almada will also be hoping to see some time on the field as this game could be a great low-pressure match for Lionel Scaloni to try out some of his young talent. These young starlets include Alejandro Garnacho, Leonardo Balerdi, and Atlanta's own Thiago Almada.
Derrick Etienne Jr.
Turning back to North America, Derrick Etienne Jr. will be hoping to help Haiti fight for a spot in the Gold Cup playoffs. Haiti will be playing three games this window, home games against Qatar and Mexico and an away game at Honduras. They will be aiming to finish pick up some tough points to finish in the top half of their group and advance to the playoffs.
Ajani Fortune
Atlanta's last current player to play internationally is midfielder Ajani Fortune. Following his first MLS start for Atlanta against D.C., Fortune was called up for Trinidad and Tobago for a Gold Cup preliminary round match against Guadeloupe which was canceled. This means that Fortune should be back with Atlanta and available for the Wednesday game against NYCFC.
Miguel Almiron
Atlanta United's record transfer is doing great at Newcastle following a shaky start in the Premier League. This season he scored 11 goals and bagged 2 assists including the Newcastle goal of the season. This international break, he will be looking to edge closer to an impressive half-century of appearances for the Paraguayan national team. Currently at 48 appearances, Almiron will be hoping to start in Paraguay's friendly against Nicaragua, a match Paraguay should win fairly easily.
Josef Martinez
Atlanta United's all-time leading scorer is, as always, representing Venezuela this international window. After not making it off of the bench during Venezuela's 1-0 win over Honduras, Josef will be looking to play against Guatemala in Venezuela's second of two friendlies. Interesting side note, Josef Martinez is wearing the number 17 this international window.