Florian Wirtz marked his return to action for Liverpool with a goal in their pre-season friendly defeat to Leeds United.
The Germany international was handed a first start of the summer - along with Alexander Isak - by new Reds head coach Andoni Iraola after reporting for pre-season late because of his exploits at World Cup 2026.
Ahead of kick-off it was revealed that Wirtz was to planned to play 45 minutes and he made the most of his time at Soldier Field, doubling Liverpool’s lead shortly before half-time as he put away Jeremie Frimpong’s cross.
The goal, though, owed a lot to Trey Nyoni with the youngster impressing in midfield once again. He picked out Frimpong with a brilliant pass out wide and the Dutchman’s cut-back found Wirtz, who made no mistake from close range.
The build-up and finish 💫
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 2, 2026
Before that, Luke Chambers had put Liverpool ahead inside seven minutes when Milos Kerkez flicked on a Dominik Szoboszlai corner, and the ball fell kindly for the defender as he smashed an effort past Alex Cairns.
Leeds had their moments in the first half with Lukas Nmecha and Anton Stach both going close, but they suffered a major injury setback with Gabriel Gudmundsson limping off with a suspected muscle issue.
However, changes from both sides at the break turned the game on its head. Daniel Farke turned to Brenden Aaronson, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Sean Longstaff, and was rewarded with the trio all playing a part in a stunning comeback.
Aaronson gave Leeds hope on the hour mark as he punished an error from Milos Kerkez, before Calvert-Lewin headed home the equaliser after Joe Rodon had flicked on Ethan Ampadu’s long throw.
Aaronson then turned provider for Longstaff as Leeds took the lead for the first time and then Calvert-Lewin repeated the trick from earlier to put the seal on an impressive win for Farke’s side.
