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Florian Wirtz scored his first Liverpool goal in a 3-1 win over Yokohama F. Marinos in a pre-season friendly.
Florian Wirtz scored his first goal for Liverpool in a 3-1 win over Yokohama F. Marinos (X)
Florian Wirtz scored his first goal for Liverpool as the team wrapped up their Asia tour with a 3-1 victory over Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan on Wednesday.
“I am really happy that I could score my first goal. I hope there are more to come,” said Wirtz, who joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in a blockbuster deal.
How Liverpool Beat Yokohama F. Marinos?
In front of over 67,000 fans at the Nissan Stadium, Liverpool initially trailed early in the second half when Asahi Uenaka finished off a clever through-ball from Ren Kato. However, Wirtz equalised just after the hour mark, coolly converting after a sharp one-two between Curtis Jones and Mohamed Salah.
The German international’s debut goal spurred an improved second half performance, as manager Arne Slot made significant lineup changes to build match fitness for the new season. Hugo Ekitike, also making his debut, started but was replaced at halftime by Darwin Nunez in a planned substitution. Alexis Mac Allister made his first pre-season appearance in the second half.
Trey Nyoni restored Liverpool’s lead with an athletic finish at the back post following a cross from Jeremie Frimpong. The Reds secured the win through another promising youngster, Rio Ngumoha, who surged forward on a counter-attack and finished low past the goalkeeper.
Liverpool dominated the first half but failed to score. Cody Gakpo struck the post, while efforts from Ekitike and Dominik Szoboszlai were denied. On the defensive end, Giorgi Mamardashvili made a crucial save to deny Jun Amano before halftime.
Salah was instrumental in most attacking moves, providing several incisive passes, including the assist for Wirtz’s equaliser.
The team now returns to Merseyside in high spirits, having shown promising signs during the tour. The squad will continue preparations ahead of their Premier League title defence, with young talents like Wirtz, Nyoni, and Ngumoha adding fresh energy for the upcoming season.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot said he was happy to see his team come from behind to win but was not pleased with their missed chances.
“It could be with a tough training camp and it could be with the heat circumstances,” said the Dutchman.
“But that’s something that we definitely have to improve.”
Goalkeeper Alisson Becker missed the match after travelling home to Brazil “for private reasons”, Liverpool said.
Shortly before kickoff, an emotional tribute was given to Diogo Jota, who passed away this month in a car crash.
(With inputs from Agencies)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha… Read More
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