Liverpool’s £116million star signing Florian Wirtz made a memorable—if bittersweet—first start as the Reds suffered a 4-2 pre-season defeat to AC Milan in Hong Kong. In front of nearly 50,000 fans at a sold-out Kai Tak Stadium, the German international’s dazzling performance stood out even as Liverpool’s defense struggled in an error-strewn encounter.
Florian Wirtz Debut: The Bundesliga Star in a New Role
Florian Wirtz Brings Bundesliga Brilliance
Fresh from being crowned the Bundesliga Player of the Season for 2023-24 after a record campaign with unbeaten champions Bayer Leverkusen, Florian Wirtz arrived at Liverpool with enormous expectations. He was instrumental in Leverkusen’s historic title run—scoring 11 goals and delivering 11 assists—while becoming the only player to secure three “Player of the Month” awards that season.
Florian Wirtz: False Nine Surprise
Arne Slot handed Florian Wirtz his first Liverpool start in a “false nine” role—an unfamiliar position for the versatile playmaker but one he adapted to impressively. His vision, quick feet, and sharp passing repeatedly opened up Milan’s defense, earning praise from pundits and supporters alike. Commentators noted his immediate impact, “breaking lines and linking play with intelligence and creativity”.
Goals Galore—But Liverpool’s Fragility Exposed
Action-Packed 90 Minutes
Although Liverpool dominated early, AC Milan’s Rafael Leao capitalized on a break to open the scoring. Liverpool hit back through a brilliant Dominik Szoboszlai strike, but Milan repeatedly found gaps in the Reds’ line. Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Noah Okafor (twice) extended Milan’s lead, while Cody Gakpo netted a late header—briefly sparking hope for a comeback in stoppage time.
Defensive Gaps and Injury Setbacks
The absence of key defenders exposed Liverpool’s back line. Joe Gomez’s pre-game Achilles injury and Jarell Quansah’s recent transfer left the club desperately short at center-back. Makeshift pairings, with midfielders and full-backs filling in centrally, were frequently exploited by Milan’s attack. Ibrahima Konate and Kostas Tsimikas endured a night to forget as errors led directly to Milan’s final goal.
Transfer Talk and Squad Intrigue
New Faces—and Notables Missing
With summer signings Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez featuring, the buzz around Slot’s evolving Liverpool was intense. However, the absence of Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz from the squad fueled further speculation about their futures. Interest in Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi highlights Liverpool’s intent to strengthen both attack and defense as the new season approaches.
An Emotional Night—Tributes and Farewells
Remembering Diogo Jota
Before kick-off, fans and legend Sir Kenny Dalglish paid tribute to Diogo Jota following his tragic passing. Liverpool’s players wore a ‘Diogo J 20’ crest in his honor, underscoring the emotional bonds within the squad.
What’s Next?
Liverpool’s pre-season preparations now shift to Japan for a clash against Yokohama F. Marinos. For supporters, the standout memory from Hong Kong will be Florian Wirtz’s instant impact. His debut, filled with promise and flashes of Bundesliga-inspired magic, asserts his status as a potential game-changer for the Reds in 2025. Yet, the defeat also sounded clear alarms over Liverpool’s need for defensive reinforcements before the Premier League season kicks off.
Photo Credit: Instagram
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