Liverpool Down Yokohama F. Marinos in friendly that Wirtz Nets’ first goal

Florian Wirtz scored his first Liverpool goal while the Premier League champions beat Yokohama F. Marinos 3-1 during a pre-season friend in Japan on Wednesday.

French striker Hugo Ekitike made his debut for Liverpool, a week after joining Eintracht Francfurt for 69 million pounds Sterling.

Wirtz equalized after Yokohama opened the scoring at the start of the second half, the German slamming at home a right foot of the interior of the box in front of more than 65,000 fans.

“I am really happy to be able to score my first goal. I hope there is more,” said Wirtz, who joined Liverpool by Bayer Leverkusen in a successful agreement.

Trey Nyoni and Rio NGUMOHA also marked for Liverpool, who announced on Wednesday the sale of Colombian striker Luis Diaz in Bayern Munich.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot said he was happy to see his team coming from behind to win, but was not satisfied with their missed chances.

“It could be with a difficult training camp, and it could be with thermal circumstances”, ” said the Dutchman.

“But this is something that we must certainly improve.”

Goalkeeper Alisson Becker missed the match after returning home in Brazil, “said Liverpool.

Shortly before kick-off, an emotional tribute was paid to Diogo Jota, who died this month in a car accident.

Liverpool dominated throughout, but Yokohama opened the scoring when Asahi Uenaka jumped in the 55th minute to beat Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Wirtz leveled when he hung on a Mohamed Salah pass.

Nyoni voted at home a cross of Jeremie Frimpong to put Liverpool in front, before Ngumoha dribbles the line halfway and shoots in a shot from the box.