The Premier League title holders made a bold move earlier this summer by securing Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in a record-breaking £116 million transfer. ..Continue Reading
The German playmaker, who signed a deal running through 2030, debuted in a closed-door friendly win over Stoke City at the AXA Training Centre — with supporters buzzing over his touches and movement in the footage.
Wirtz then joined the squad for a pre-season fixture against AC Milan in Hong Kong, part of Liverpool’s two-match tour of Asia.
Despite a spirited effort, Liverpool fell 4-2, with goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo, while Milan’s Rafael Leao, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Noah Okafor (twice) found the net.
With £79 million signing Hugo Ekitike unavailable and both Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz missing from the lineup, Wirtz was deployed in a false nine role for the encounter.
He featured for 45 minutes, showcasing his trademark shoulder feint and clever positioning, but didn’t register a goal or assist — though he completed 91% of his passes and succeeded in one of two dribble attempts.
Fan reactions online were divided: some praised his technical quality and composure, while others felt it was too early to judge his impact based on a single outing.
One fan on X commented: “Florian Wirtz, I’m standing up and applauding.”
But another said: “Is this a fail comp.”
A third wrote: It’s ok I guess, nothing super impressive tho.”
A fourth stated: “This comp was made to make him look good and I see nothing impressive.”
A final person disagreed, adding: The quality of his first touch is mad. Literally never messes it up and always sets himself up for the next action.”
Liverpool players have been impressed by Wirtz’ quality, with Ryan Gravenberch hailing the 22-year-old’s ability.
“I think everyone knows Florian and also here in training he is a really good player: technical, really good vision,” said the Dutchman.
“So I am really happy that he is here and I can’t wait for the season to start also to play with him.”
Liverpool return to action on Wednesday when they face Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan.
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