Florian Wirtz marked his pre-season debut for Liverpool with a goal in their 3-1 victory over Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan on Wednesday. The match, part of Liverpool's pre-season tour of Asia, saw Wirtz equalize for the Reds after Yokohama took the lead.
Wirtz, who completed a British record transfer from Bayer Leverkusen this summer for £116 million ($156m), showcased his talent by netting his first goal for the club. Liverpool lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Wirtz playing a central attacking role. Yokohama, further into their season, initially appeared sharper. The first big chance for Liverpool came when Cody Gakpo's effort hit the post. Yokohama F. Marinos took the lead in the second half through Asahi Uenaka.
Liverpool responded, with Wirtz leveling the score. Curtis Jones retrieved the ball and linked up with Mohamed Salah, whose pass found Wirtz, who confidently scored. Subsequent goals from Trey Nyoni, who acrobatically finished Jeremie Frimpong's cross, and Rio Ngumoha, who scored after a impressive run, sealed the win for Liverpool.
Besides Wirtz's debut goal, other notable events included Hugo Ekitike's first appearance for Liverpool and Alexis Mac Allister's first pre-season game. The match was played in front of a crowd of over 67,000. Liverpool will now return to Merseyside to continue preparations for the 2025/26 season.