Liverpool’s new record signing Florian Wirtz made his highly anticipated debut start as Arne Slot’s side were beaten 4-2 by AC Milan in front of a packed Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong today.
While all eyes were on Wirtz, the absence of Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz dominated the pre-match conversation. Slot revealed that Nunez missed the game due to injury, while Diaz was omitted amid ongoing speculation over his future, following the recent arrival of Hugo Ekitike and Liverpool’s pursuit of Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.
Tribute to Diogo Jota
The match was preceded by an emotional tribute to former Liverpool star Diogo Jota, who tragically died alongside his brother Andre Silva in a car crash earlier this month. Sir Kenny Dalglish laid a wreath before kick-off, and the players wore ‘Diogo J 20’ on their shirts to honour their late teammate.
Milan Punish Defensive Lapses
Liverpool started brightly, dominating possession in the opening stages. However, it was Milan who struck first, with Rafael Leão finishing a swift counter-attack to beat Alisson Becker.
The Reds responded through Dominik Szoboszlai, who curled a superb strike into the top corner from the edge of the box. But defensive frailties cost Liverpool again in the second half. Ruben Loftus-Cheek restored Milan’s lead before Noah Okafor made it 3-1 with a composed finish past debutant keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Cody Gakpo headed home in stoppage time to make it 3-2, but a late mix-up between Mamardashvili and Kostas Tsimikas allowed Okafor to complete his brace and seal a 4-2 win for the Italians.
Wirtz Shows Promise in Unfamiliar Role
Wirtz, a £116m arrival from Bayer Leverkusen, operated in an unusual false nine role, flanked by Mohamed Salah and exciting 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha. Though typically deployed as an attacking midfielder or a narrow wide forward, the Germany international impressed with his sharp movement and quick decision-making, linking play fluidly in the final third.
He was withdrawn at halftime, but not before giving fans a glimpse of the technical brilliance that made him one of Europe’s hottest footballing properties.
Defensive Concerns Mount for Slot
Liverpool’s defensive depth is under scrutiny after it was confirmed Joe Gomez returned to England for treatment on an Achilles injury. With Jarell Quansah recently sold to Bayer Leverkusen and no immediate replacement signed, Ryan Gravenberch was forced to fill in at centre-back alongside Virgil van Dijk in the first half.
Slot admitted the situation is not ideal but remained calm.
“I don’t think we have a concern at centre-back,” Slot said. “Ryan showed he can play that position. Wataru Endo is another option. But yes, Jarell Quansah left and we haven’t replaced him yet.”
The Reds have been linked with Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, and Gomez’s injury may accelerate their interest in the England international.
New Arrivals Take the Field
Second-half substitutions saw Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez make their first appearances for the club, bolstering both flanks. With the season fast approaching, the next few friendlies will be crucial for Slot to finalise his defensive setup.
What’s Next?
Liverpool now head to Japan, where they will face Yokohama F. Marinos on Wednesday, 30th July to continue their international pre-season tour as the new era under Arne Slot gathers pace.