Florian Wirtz nets first Liverpool goal to inspire comeback in pre-season clash

Ziyad Jamal

Florian Wirtz nets first Liverpool goal to inspire comeback in pre-season clash image

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Florian Wirtz scored his first goal in a Liverpool shirt as his new side came from a goal down to beat Yokohama FM 3-1 in Japan.

The two teams were competing in the annual J.League World Challenge match, which takes place every summer in pre-season between a J.League side and foreign club from Europe.

After a goalless 45 minutes at the Nissan Stadium, Arne Slot's side found themselves behind 10 minutes into the second half as substitute, Asahi Uenaka, received a through ball from Ren Kato, before finding the bottom corner with a smart finish past Giorgi Mamardashvili.

The reigning Premier League champions responded seven minutes later as Wirtz met Salah's deflected cutback off of Curtis Jones with a curled finish into the far corner from inside the box.

The equaliser marked Wirtz first goal for his new side since Liverpool splashed out a club-record fee of £116m to bring him to Anfield from Bayer Leverkusen.

The goal turned out to be the last contribution in Yokohama for the German attacking midfielder, as he was replaced by Alexis Mac Allister immediately afterwards.

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Florian Wirtz

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Two teenagers completed the turnaround for Liverpool

Slot's men completed the comeback just six minutes after Wirtz' goal, as new right-back, Jeremie Frimpong, provided a delightful cross to the back-post, which was met by teenager, Trey Nyoni.

The goal was a special moment for the 18-year-old, who is yet to make a Premier League appearance for Liverpool.

The victory was then sealed three minutes from time as 16-year-old attacker, Rio Ngumoha, scored after going on a dazzling run past the opposition's defence.

Ngumoha is also yet to make a Premier League appearance for Liverpool, but it is possible he and Nyoni have impressed enough in pre-season to warrant a league cameo soon.

Wirtz would go on to be named Man of the Match for his display and received a prize sum of one million Japanese Yen.

Elsewhere, new summer signing, Hugo Ekitike, made his first appearance in a red shirt. The French youth international, who recently signed from Eintracht Frankfurt for £79 million, started the contest before he was replaced by Darwin Nunez at the interval.

It is likely Slot will give Ekitike more minutes in the coming pre-season games with Athletic Bilbao and in the Community Shield against Crystal Palace to have him ready for the upcoming campaign.

Liverpool begin the defence of their Premier League title on August 15 against Bournemouth at Anfield.

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Ziyad Jamal

Ziyad Jamal contributes to Sporting News - UK Wires as a freelance writer focusing on all sports. He has written for sites including GiveMeSport, Planet Sport and IBTimes UK. He graduated with a degree in BA (Hons) Football Business and Media at UCFB Wembley in 2021.