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It's been a productive weekend for Liverpool at all levels, with the Reds' 5-0 victory over Stoke City in a behind-closed-doors friendly coupled with an emphatic 8-0 win for the Reds' Under-21s against Celtic.
Arne Slot's senior players got a run-out at the AXA Training Center as Florian Wirtz made his first appearance alongside his new teammates. His position was an intriguing one too.
Wirtz lined up alongside the likes of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk in the first half of the game, before Slot changed the entire team at half-time. Darwin Nunez, who is still expected to leave Liverpool at the end of the season, scored a hat-trick, while Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha also scored.
Liverpool's squad is looking strong heading into the new season, and it is about to get even stronger with the impending addition of Hugo Ekitike.
As well as the current senior squad being in great shape, the future is also looking bright after the U21s' thumping victory, which also took place at the AXA Training Center, on Saturday.
Liverpool's goals against Celtic were scored by Kaide Gordon (two), Kieran Morrison, Trent Kone-Doherty, Owen Beck (two), Keyrol Figueroa, and Oakley Cannonier.
The game was Rob Page's first as manager after he moved into the position earlier this year, taking on his first role in soccer since he was sacked as Wales manager in 2024.
After taking the decision to appoint Page last month, Liverpool's academy director, Alex Inglethorpe, said: “Rob brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to a key role as young players look to bridge that gap from Academy prospect to first-team footballer.
“His recent achievements in guiding Wales to the last 16 at Euro 2020 before qualifying for the 2022 World Cup speak for themselves but perhaps less heralded is the work that took place during his time in charge of the national team, which saw numerous pathway players make it into the senior squad.
“This is something we have seen first-hand at Liverpool with several of our Academy players making significant progress on the international stage under Rob’s guidance.
“This level of experience in transitioning young footballers towards the professional game and on to the highest levels of domestic and international football will be a significant resource for all at the Academy, especially the players.
“Myself and all the staff are greatly looking forward to working with Rob as we endeavour to continue producing players capable of playing at the highest level and in the most demanding of arenas.”
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