YOKOHAMA 1-3 LIVERPOOL: Florian Wirtz netted his inaugural goal for the Premier League champions, while two teenagers impressed after coming off the bench in the final friendly of the pre-season tour.
Florian Wirtz scored his first goal for Liverpool, leveling the score. Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha, both teenagers, made significant contributions from the bench, helping Arne Slot’s side overcome an early deficit in their last pre-season match in Asia.
Despite the win, Arne Slot needs to address some defensive issues, as Asahi Uenaka had given Yokohama the lead early in the second half, and the Japanese team created several chances throughout the game.
The Reds eventually asserted their superior quality, with Wirtz equalizing from a cross by Mo Salah. Nyoni, aged 18, followed that with a well-placed finish from Jeremie Frimpong’s precision pass before 16-year-old Ngumoha rounded off the scoring with a skillful dribble and strike from the edge of the box, sealing a 3-1 victory.
These goals came after Hugo Ekitike’s debut, which ended after the first half, while Darwin Nunez and Alexis Mac Allister made their returns from the bench, adding depth to the squad. Here are some key takeaways from the match at Nissan Arena.
Ekitike’s Introduction
Ekitike had limited opportunities in the first 45 minutes, with his only notable moment being a backheel in the penalty area. However, he worked hard off the ball and combined well with Wirtz on a few occasions, showing promise for the future.
Nunez’s Missed Opportunity
Nunez, also linked with a potential exit, had his first pre-season minutes as Ekitike’s substitute but squandered a great chance shortly before Liverpool fell behind. After staying onside from a superb Salah pass, he carelessly shot wide when under little pressure, raising concerns about his role moving forward.
Concerns Over Playing Conditions
Nunez couldn’t solely attribute his miss to poor pitch conditions, which were subpar from the start, causing the ball to bounce unpredictably. Many simple passes went astray, and players struggled with their first touches throughout the match. Thankfully, there were no injuries, which was a positive amidst the substandard conditions.
Defensive Worries Persist
Slot will be slightly troubled by Liverpool’s occasional lax marking, particularly during counterattacks, especially following their previous match where they conceded four goals to a Milan team that looked ineffective against Arsenal. New signing Giorgi Mamardashvili performed admirably in goal with one crucial save, but he had limited chance against Uenaka’s goal, which exposed defensive vulnerabilities.
Promising Performances from Nyoni and Ngumoha
With high-profile signings expected to make it challenging for younger players to break into the first team, Nyoni and Ngumoha proved their worth with impressive displays. Nyoni’s confident finish showcased his potential, and Ngumoha’s dazzling effort for the final goal was a highlight. Although opportunities may be limited, their performances signal encouraging prospects for their future contributions.
