In a thrilling pre-season friendly at the Nissan Stadium in Japan, Florian Wirtz delivered a standout performance for Liverpool against Yokohama F. Marinos, earning him the Player of the Match award and as reported by James Pearce from The Athletic, he earned himself a ¥1 million cheque which equates to around a £5000 pay check.
The German star, who recently joined the Premier League champions from Bayer Leverkusen in a record-breaking £116 million transfer, showcased his exceptional talent, proving why he is considered one of the brightest prospects in world football.
Florian Wirtz gets a million yen for being man of the match.
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) July 30, 2025
(£5,000)
A Pivotal Moment in the Comeback
Liverpool’s clash with Yokohama F. Marinos was a tale of resilience, with the Reds overcoming an early deficit to secure a victory and their first piece of silverware of the pre-season. Trailing after Uenaka’s well-placed goal for the home side, Liverpool needed a spark to turn the tide. That spark came from Wirtz, who netted his first-ever goal for the club to level the score at 1-1. The goal, described as a close-range finish following a counter-attack initiated by Curtis Jones, was a testament to Wirtz’s composure and ability to deliver in crucial moments. This pivotal strike not only shifted the momentum but also highlighted his knack for being in the right place at the right time.
A Creative Force in Midfield
Operating as an attacking midfielder, Wirtz was the creative fulcrum of Liverpool’s setup. His ability to dictate the tempo and find space in tight areas was evident throughout the match. Despite a scrappy first half, where the pitch conditions posed challenges for both sides, Wirtz’s vision and technical prowess shone through. His intelligent use of the ball and silky movement allowed him to create opportunities for his teammates, even when the service to new signing Hugo Ekitike was lacking. One notable moment saw Wirtz nearly set up Ekitike for a goal, with the Frenchman’s improvised flick denied by the Yokohama goalkeeper. Wirtz’s capacity to unlock defenses with his passing and dribbling underlined why Liverpool head coach Arne Slot views him as central to the team’s attacking vision.
Adapting to a New Role
Wirtz’s versatility was on full display as he adapted to a slightly different role compared to his time at Leverkusen, where he often played as a left-sided No. 10. Against Yokohama, he showcased his ability to operate effectively across the attacking third, drifting into dangerous positions and linking play with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Dominik Szoboszlai. His performance was particularly impressive given the absence of key forwards like Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz, which placed additional creative responsibility on his shoulders. Wirtz’s ability to maintain his composure on a challenging pitch and still produce moments of brilliance further cemented his reputation as a “silky smooth operator.”
Praise from Teammates and Fans
The 22-year-old’s impact was not lost on his teammates or the Liverpool faithful. Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, who played alongside Wirtz, praised his technical ability and vision, stating, “I think everyone knows Florian and also here in training he is a really good player: technical, really good vision. So I am really happy that he is here and I can’t wait for the season to start also to play with him.” Fans, too, were quick to laud Wirtz’s performance, with social media buzzing about his potential to be a Player of the Year contender if he remains injury-free. His driving runs and precise passing, reminiscent of his standout displays in the Bundesliga, have already begun to win over the Anfield crowd.
A Bright Future Ahead
Wirtz’s Player of the Match performance against Yokohama F. Marinos was a glimpse of what Liverpool fans can expect in the 2025/26 season. With 10 goals and 12 assists in 31 Bundesliga appearances for Leverkusen in the 2024/25 season, Wirtz brings a proven track record of goal-scoring and playmaking to Merseyside. His ability to combine technical brilliance with tactical intelligence makes him a perfect fit for Slot’s system, where he is expected to fill the creative void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure to Real Madrid. As Liverpool prepare for the Community Shield against Crystal Palace on August 10, Wirtz’s display in Japan suggests he could be the key to unlocking even greater success for the Reds.
In conclusion, Florian Wirtz’s performance against Yokohama F. Marinos was a dazzling display of skill, vision, and composure, earning him deserved recognition as the standout player on the pitch. As he continues to settle into his new surroundings, the German star is poised to become a cornerstone of Liverpool’s ambitions for the upcoming season.
