Wirtz became Liverpool’s record signing earlier this summer, joining in an £116 million switch from Bayer Leverkusen in a huge statement of intent from the Premier League champions.
The Germany international, who penned a contract until 2030, made his first appearance in a behind-closed-doors friendly win over Stoke City at the AXA Training Centre and had fans salivating watching the highlights.
Wirtz and his Liverpool teammates stepped up their preparations for the new campaign with a friendly against AC Milan in Hong Kong as part of a two-game trip to Asia.
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But the Reds were beaten 4-2, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo on target and Rafael Leao, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Noah Okafor (2) finding the net for the Rossoneri.
With new £79 million striker Hugo Ekitike not ready for an appearance and Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz not in the squad, Wirtz lined up as a false nine for the clash.
The 22-year-old played 45 minutes and demonstrated his signature drop of the shoulder in between the lines but did not manage a goal or assist despite 91% pass accuracy and 1/2 dribbles completed.
Florian Wirtz vs AC Milan
However, his showing was met by mixed reactions by fans online – with some impressed and others not convinced after one game.
One fan on X commented: “Florian Wirtz, I’m standing up and applauding.”
But another said: “Is this a fail comp.”
A third wrote: It’s ok I guess, nothing super impressive tho.”
A fourth stated: “This comp was made to make him look good and I see nothing impressive.”
A final person disagreed, adding: The quality of his first touch is mad. Literally never messes it up and always sets himself up for the next action.”
Liverpool return to action on Wednesday when they take on Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan.
