1 week ago
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Florian Wirtz made his highly anticipated Liverpool debut during a behind-closed-doors pre-season friendly against Stoke City.
After signing for the Reds from Bayer Leverkusen earlier in the transfer window in a record-breaking move, the 22-year-old made his first appearance after missing the opening preseason win over Preston North End.
The German international featured in the first half of the match, held at the AXA Training Centre in Kirkby. Darwin Nunez maintained his strong pre-season form with a blistering hat-trick inside the opening 20 minutes, while 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha added another before halftime as Liverpool cruised to a 5-0 win over Mark Robins'. Federico Chiesa rounded off the scoring in the second half to cap a dominant display.
Wirtz featured in a strong starting XI that saw captain Virgil van Dijk also make his first appearance of preseason.
The German international played in the number 10 role, flanked by Ngumoha on the left, Mohamed Salah on the right, and Nunez, who looked particularly sharp, leading the line.
Curtis Jones and teenage prospect Trey Nyoni formed the midfield base, while Dominik Szoboszlai was deployed in an unexpected right-back role.
Joe Gomez partnered Van Dijk at center-back, Andy Robertson occupied the left-back spot, and new signing Giorgi Mamardashvili started in goal.
All eyes will have been on Wirtz as he pulled on a Liverpool shirt for the first time since his high-profile switch from the Bundesliga.
One of the biggest questions leading into Arne Slot’s second season has been how he plans to accommodate both Wirtz and Szoboszlai, given their preference for operating in similar advanced roles.
While it’s possible Szoboszlai could drop deeper into a box-to-box midfield role in the long term, Slot also has the tactical flexibility to use both players as dual No. 10s, particularly in matches against teams that sit deep in low blocks.
It may not have been the debut Wirtz envisioned, but the quieter setting provided a perfect opportunity for him to acclimate to a new system and teammates.
There will be plenty of chances for Reds fans to see the midfielder play before the start of the Premier League season.
Slot's side is preparing to jet off to Asia as pre-season preparations continue, with a high-profile clash against AC Milan scheduled for next Saturday in Hong Kong. Following that, the Reds will head to Japan to complete their summer tour.
It will mark Liverpool’s first visit to Japan since the 2005 Club World Championship final, when Rafael Benitez’s side narrowly lost 1-0 to Sao Paulo. This time around, the Reds will take on Yokohama F. Marinos before returning to Merseyside to play Athletic Club in two friendlies on August 4 before a trip to Wembley to face Crystal Palace in the Community Shield.
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