5 things to look out for in Liverpool vs AC Milan including Florian Wirtz and Luis Diaz hints

9 hours ago 30

Liverpool embarks on its latest pre-season test later today, with the Reds set for a replay of the famous 2005 Champions League final as they take on AC Milan in Hong Kong.

Arne Slot and his men have been training out in Asia throughout the week as they step things up ahead of next season's Premier League title defense, and they've been joined by another new signing in the form of Hugo Ekitike.

While fans are getting excited about the prospect of Alexander Isak potentially joining him this summer, they'll also be eager to get another glimpse of Liverpool's new-look team in action, with plenty of players to keep an eye out for later.

Liverpool.com has taken a look at five things to look out for during today's friendly against AC Milan.

Ekitike debut?

Having completed his move from Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday, fans will be eager to get a first look at Ekitike in action for Liverpool today.

Whether they will get that opportunity is up for Slot to decide, and he may well err on the side of caution. After all, Ekitike only landed in Hong Kong and met his new teammates on Thursday, so it's not as if he'll be up to speed on everything.

Hugo Ekitike could make his first appearance for Liverpool against AC Milan

Hugo Ekitike could make his first appearance for Liverpool against AC Milan

Then again, he did take part in his first training session on Friday, and Liverpool will want him to get as much game time in his legs as possible before the start of the new season.

The more likely option is that he will make his first appearance against Yokohama F Marinos on Wednesday, but there is a chance we get a first glimpse of Liverpool's new striker today.

Wirtz's position

Florian Wirtz will almost certainly play his first game in front of fans for Liverpool today, and it will be interesting to see just how Slot utilizes him.

The Reds' record signing has made one appearance so far this summer, although it was behind closed doors against Stoke. What we saw of him from that game was impressive, but today marks a big step up.

And we may get a better idea of what position Wirtz will take in Slot's side next season - whether it's the No.10 role that most expect, or perhaps out on the left, we'll wait and see. Whatever his role is, it could have an impact on one of his new teammates...

Szoboszlai's role

Wirtz's arrival has left plenty of question marks over Dominik Szoboszlai's place in the side. If the German is to take up the No.10 role, then that could well see the Hungarian become more of a backup option in midfield.

Szoboszlai though was crucial to Liverpool's success last season, and you wouldn't expect Slot to cast him aside so quickly. In fact, the Reds boss has seemingly been eager to find any sort of position for him in his side this summer.

Dominik Szoboszlai's position is a big question for Arne Slot to answer

Dominik Szoboszlai's position is a big question for Arne Slot to answer

He started in a slightly deeper midfield role against Preston, before surprisingly lining up at right-back against Stoke. The latter role worked well against the Championship side, although it would be a major surprise to see him take that up again, especially once we move into the new season.

The former position might prove to be his regular role going forward, and he'll likely get a chance in midfield on the opening day against Bournemouth given Ryan Gravenberch will be suspended. It will be interesting to see how he lines up against Milan today though.

Another chance for Ngumoha

Rio Ngumoha has lit up pre-season with Liverpool so far. An electric performance against Preston was followed up with a goal against Stoke, and it's no surprise that Slot is eager to get more looks at him this summer.

What the new season will hold in store for him remains to be seen, although it does seem likely he will stay with Liverpool's academy rather than head out on loan, given he only turns 17 next month.

Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool during a training session at Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong

Rio Ngumoha could get another chance against AC Milan today

Given what we've already seen of him though, there will be plenty of supporters hoping he'll get more first-team opportunities next season.

A game against Milan might be the ideal opportunity to gauge just how he might cope if given the chance against tougher opposition in the new campaign. We're certainly looking forward to getting another glimpse of him in action.

Will Diaz play?

Luis Diaz's future looks as though it is in the balance at the moment. Despite Liverpool insisting he is not for sale so far this summer, the club is in talks with Bayern Munich, with a second bid from the German giant expected to be on the way soon.

The Colombian is thought to have told Liverpool he wants to leave, although he has been training as normal with the Reds, and there doesn't seem to be any hard feelings from his teammates or Slot.

Diaz though didn't play in either game against Preston or Stoke, and there will be plenty of people - both on Merseyside and in Munich - waiting to see whether he features today against Milan.

If he doesn't, we may well have our answer about his future. Today could be a huge hint as to whether he'll be staying or going.

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