Liverpool returned to winning ways on their pre-season tour of Asia on Wednesday, securing a 3-1 comeback victory against Japanese side Yokohama F. Marinos, with new signing Florian Wirtz scoring his first goal for the club.
The win was a positive response from Arne Slot’s side after they suffered a surprising 4-2 defeat to AC Milan over the weekend in Hong Kong. However, the first half of this encounter showed some similar vulnerabilities.
Despite dominating possession, Liverpool struggled to create clear-cut chances and once again looked susceptible to fast counter-attacks. The J1 League side grew in confidence and deservedly took the lead in the 55th minute through a close-range finish from Asahi Uenaka.
The response from the Reds was swift and decisive. Just after the hour mark, major summer signing Florian Wirtz netted his first goal for the club, firing home effortlessly from 10 yards to level the scores and provide a moment of relief.
The comeback was completed by Liverpool’s hugely impressive emerging talents. Just six minutes later, 18-year-old midfielder Trey Nyoni poked the ball into an empty net after an inch-perfect cross from another new recruit, Jeremie Frimpong.
The victory was then sealed in spectacular fashion by 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha. The teenager, who “stole the show” in the closing stages, collected the ball deep inside his own half, drove 30 yards up the pitch, and fired a brilliant strike into the far corner to cap a fine second-half display for Liverpool.
While defensive frailties on the counter remain a concern, the impressive performances of new signings Wirtz and Frimpong, combined with the dazzling displays from youngsters Nyoni and Ngumoha, will give Liverpool plenty of encouragement as their pre-season continues.