Confirmed Liverpool Lineup vs. Yokohama F. Marinos – Ekitike and Wirtz Start
In their pre-season friendly on July 30, 2025, Liverpool suited up with a bold starting XI against Yokohama F. ChatGPT said:
Marinos at Tokyo’s Nissan Stadium, where two of Liverpool’s high-profile summer additions—Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, were included in the starting lineup.
Starting XI Highlights:
Hugo Ekitike, the club’s £79 million striker signing from Eintracht Frankfurt, made his debut as lead forward.
Florian Wirtz, Liverpool’s record signing from Bayer Leverkusen, lined up in the attacking midfield or No.10 role.
The attack was supported by standout performers Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo, demonstrating Liverpool’s new-look offensive depth.
Squad Context & Match Background:
Key departures and absences included Luis Díaz, who had returned to complete his transfer to Bayern Munich, and striker Darwin Núñez, who featured on the bench after recovering from injury.(Joe Gomez also left due to an Achilles issue, while Wataru Endo remained on the bench as he recovered fitness.
The match marked Liverpool’s fourth pre-season fixture in Asia—after victories over Preston and Stoke, they had been beaten 4–2 by AC Milan in Hong Kong. Wirtz and Ekitike were among several new signings given starting roles in Japan.
Strategic Significance
Manager Arne Slot is clearly prioritizing integration of his high-profile new recruits, with the expectation that Wirtz will anchor Liverpool’s creative play and Ekitike grow into a leading role in a 4-2-3-1 attacking setup.
These moves reinforce a summer rebuild: Liverpool have spent heavily on players like Wirtz (£116m), Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, and Giorgi Mamardashvili, with Ekitike underscoring their ambitions to refresh their forward line following the passing of Diogo Jota.
Quick Summary
Feature Detail
Venue Nissan Stadium, Tokyo
Date & Kick‑Off July 30, 2025
Formation Likely varied but with Wirtz at No.10 and Ekitike leading the line
Notable Absentees Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez, Joe Gomez
Tour Record Wins over Preston & Stoke, loss to AC Milan
Final Take
Liverpool’s decision to start both Ekitike and Wirtz in their debut match was a clear signal: these signings are expected to play leading roles this season. Despite recent turnover and injuries, the new-look Reds demonstrated their ambition—slotting fresh talent into competitive action as they gear up to defend their Premier League title.