Florian Wirtz Shines in Liverpool's Thrilling Friendly Clash Against Milan
Liverpool's third summer pre-season match gave fans another chance to witness record signing Florian Wirtz in action.
The £116 million ($156 million) sensation was absent from Liverpool's pre-season curtain-raiser against Preston North End, but made his unofficial bow in last weekend's commanding 5–0 victory over Stoke City in a closed-door encounter.
However, Saturday's clash with Milan in Hong Kong gave supporters their first real look at the attacking midfielder in competitive action after Arne Slot included him in the starting eleven.
Here's an assessment of Wirtz's performance against the Serie A side.
Florian Wirtz vs. Milan
Wirtz was selected in an unconventional Liverpool formation at Kai Tak Sports Park, with questions raised about the 22-year-old's deployment before the match began. Rather unexpectedly, Slot deployed him as a false nine.
Wirtz consistently occupied advanced areas but also showed willingness to retreat and receive possession between defensive lines, drifting around the penalty box perimeter as he sought to create opportunities. Though not his natural role, he has fulfilled this function before.
There was excitement whenever Wirtz received possession, and justifiably so. Several impressive touches in attacking areas delighted spectators, with the German international setting up Mohamed Salah moments after Milan's opening goal. He might have registered an assist if the Egyptian hadn't unselfishly tried to return the ball to him.
Wirtz came close to releasing Elliott later in the period with a clever through pass, but the English player lacked the speed to reach the delivery. Nevertheless, it was a sequence that highlighted Wirtz's abilities as he escaped a Milan tackle and surged toward the penalty area.
Wirtz was substituted at the interval, but overall delivered an encouraging performance from the attacking midfielder. He achieved 91% accuracy from his 32 passes, registered 36 touches and thrilled fans with some excellent combination play. There's potential for improvement, but he's made a promising beginning in Liverpool colors.
When Will Florian Wirtz Feature Next for Liverpool?
Wirtz is virtually guaranteed to receive additional valuable playing time with his new teammates in the coming days, as Liverpool head to Japan for their scheduled friendly against Yokohama F. Marinos at Nissan Stadium on July 30.
The Reds subsequently return to England for back-to-back matches with Athletic Club on August 4, before meeting Crystal Palace in the Community Shield at Wembley Stadium on August 10. Wirtz will then be anticipated to make his Premier League bow in Liverpool's season kickoff against Bournemouth on August 15.