New Liverpool signing Florian Wirtz was given an interesting gift after being named Man of the Match for his performance during the Reds’ 3-1 win over Yokohama FM in Japan on Wednesday (July 30).
Wirtz, 22, scored Liverpool’s opener in the Far East with strikes from youngsters Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha securing a 3-1 win for Arne Slot’s side as they prepare to defend their Premier League title.
Fellow new man Hugo Ekitike made his first appearance since completing a move worth up to £79m from Eintracht Frankfurt last week.
Goalkeeper Alisson Becker was unavailable for personal reasons, meaning new shot stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili started in Japan.
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Slot told Liverpoolfc.com ahead of the game: "He [Alisson] had to go back to Brazil for private reasons.
"That's far from ideal – first of all for the private reasons, second of all for him to not be there in a game like this and in pre-season it's also not ideal if you miss out on part of the pre-season.
"But again, private life is more important in these matters than joining a game today."
Summer arrivals Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong also played their part, with the latter replacing Conor Bradley on 63 minutes while Kerkez started.
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Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, Ibrahima Konate, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai were also among those who started in Japan.
But it was Wirtz who impressed most, so much so that he was given a gift for his performance.
The 22-year-old was gifted one million Japanese Yen for his efforts in Japan, which converts to around £5,000 in pounds.
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Supporters were also quick to give their assessment of Wirtz and Liverpool’s performance.
One said: “We will be there; he will do great things at Liverpool.”
Another added: “Florian Wirtz is a superstar.”
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A third claimed: “Classy finish from Wirtz, composure beyond his years.”
While a fourth explained: “Szoboszlai and Wirtz the first-half standouts, Ngumoha (wow!) and Frimpong great in the second. Now back to England to finish off preparations.”
Liverpool return to action against Athletic Club with two friendlies scheduled for the same day at Anfield on August 4 before they travel to Wembley for the FA Community Shield against Crystal Palace on August 10. Slot's side will then host Bournemouth in their 2025/26 Premier League opener on August 15.
Topics: Premier League, Football, Arne Slot, Japan
Luke Davies