Darwin Nunez scored a first-half hat-trick as Liverpool reportedly cruised to a 5-0 win over Stoke City in a behind-closed-doors friendly at the AXA Training Centre on Sunday.
The Uruguay striker, who continues to be linked with clubs in Europe and Saudi Arabia, made it four goals in two pre-season games after also scoring in last weekend’s 3-1 victory at Preston North End.
Nunez’s treble and a goal from 16-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha gave the Reds a 4-0 lead by half-time. Reports also confirm that Liverpool’s new £116million signing Florian Wirtz made his first appearance, starting in midfield behind the front three of Mohamed Salah, Nunez and Rio Ngumoha.
Federico Chiesa, introduced after the break, rounded off the scoring with Liverpool’s fifth goal.
Arne Slot named a strong first-half XI, with Giorgi Mamardashvili in goal and Dominik Szoboszlai starting at right-back alongside Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson in defence. Curtis Jones and 18-year-old Trey Nyoni joined Wirtz in midfield.
The second half saw Cody Gakpo move into midfield, with Jeremie Frimpong and Ben Doak joining Chiesa in the front three. Kostas Tsimikas played as a centre-back next to Ibrahima Konate.
Though the match was not open to fans or media, several reliable journalists, including James Pearce, reported the key details.
Slot’s team now fly out to Asia for the next phase of their pre-season. Liverpool face AC Milan in Hong Kong on July 26 at the new 50,000-capacity Kai Tak Stadium. They will then travel to Tokyo for a July 30 clash with Yokohama F. Marinos at the 72,000-seat Nissan Stadium.
Liverpool return to Anfield on August 4 for a double-header against Athletic Club, before taking on Crystal Palace in the Community Shield at Wembley on August 10.
