Florian Wirtz shows promise as three Liverpool transfer issues emerge vs Milan - 5 talking points

Liverpool failed to get their pre-season tour off to a winning start as they fell to defeat against AC Milan at Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong on Saturday. The Serie A side came away 4-2 victors as Arne Slot's men attempt to find their fitness.

The Reds dominated the ball in the early stages but soon found themselves undone on the break. Milan's Rafael Leao flexed his legs and drove from the halfway line after a pass from Christian Pulisic, before being forced into a narrow angle.

The Portugal star nevertheless fired a ferocious effort as Virgil van Dijk failed to cover enough ground and the ball beat Alisson Becker for speed as it rose high into the net at the near post after 10 minutes.

Liverpool were soon back holding possession with both teams showing the sloppiness associated with football in July. But Dominik Szoboszlai showed a moment of class when the ball was laid off from an impressive Rio Ngumoha.

The midfield produced a curling chip from inside the area to bring the scores level, unflustered by the bodies around him. His celebration was as nonchalant as his strike.

Half-time saw nine changes from Liverpool as Slot offered minutes across the board. The Reds were once again punished by an early break from Leao.

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Ruben Loftus-Cheek played in the ball for Leao to run the length of the half but this time he returned the ball back to the England international. Loftus-Cheek showed some clever feet before slotting the ball past Giorgi Mamardashvili.

The Georgian goalkeeper will have been frustrated he could do little about that effort and Noah Okafor's after an hour. AC MIlan once again ate up the space left by the Reds, this time through Alexis Saelemaekers before he found Okafor, who produced an impressive first-time finish.

Cody Gakpo scored a late consolation with a cushioned header in stoppage time but as they moved for an equaliser, Okafor added a fourth for Milan. Mirror Football takes a look at the talking points to arise from the defeat.

Injury confirmed

It was revealed ahead of the match that Joe Gomez had departed the tour to return to Merseyside to continue to rehabilitate his Achilles injury. The central defender has played just 11 minutes since December.

Arne Slot said: "He was, of course, with us for the first part of the week, but he had some Achilles problems. We thought it was better to assess it back in England and for him to work on him to come back to the team, probably in more ideal circumstances for him."

The decision leaves Liverpool with just two senior central defenders in Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate. And despite significant transfer business this summer it reaffirms the club's need for reinforcement in their backline after Jarell Quansah departed earlier in the summer. Maybe one to sort before looking at Alexander Isak?

Diaz and Nunez absences

Hugo Ekitike was given more time to settle in before taking to the pitch after his arrival earlier in the week. Alexis Mac Allister was also unavailable despite returning to training and is expected to be cleared to play when the side's tour heads to Japan.

Liverpool will hope Wataru Endo can feature in his home nation too after missing the game against Milan through illness.

But the names missing from the teamsheet that may see most eyebrows raised are those of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez. Both were cheered as they came out of the tunnel and took their places on the bench in club gear.

The duo have been linked with possible exits this summer and until there is an update, Slot's decision to leave them out of the matchday squad will only fan the flames of that possibility.

Florian Wirtz debut

The Germany international played just the opening 45 minutes as he made his debut in front of fans but still left plenty to whet the appetite. Wirtz was adept at finding space between the lines to claim the ball, and always had an eye to look for Mo Salah in an exciting prospect ahead of the season.

The 22-year-old delivered an exquisite early ball that Salah could not capitalise on but it is still early days. And the cohesion on display definitely dangled a tantalising prospect.

There were questions over the opportunities that would remain for Dominik Szoboszlai following Wirtz's arrival but the midfielder has quickly moved to suggest there should be one. The Hungary star played well in a deeper position and produced the moment of the match with his casual first half strike.

Caught on the break

Each goal Liverpool conceded arrived on the break and down the wings. There was no shortage of space in behind for the athleticism of Milan's attackers to eat up and capitalise upon.

Defensively, the goals did not look great. But they are probably the type of efforts you expect to concede with a somewhat makeshift backline. Players are still getting up to speed, learning to play with each other and how they should be spaced to shut down such opportunities.

Nothing to worry about yet, but perhaps one to keep an eye on given the attacking prospects that are expected from the full-back positions following the arrivals of Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez this summer.

Diogo tributes continue

Diogo Jota will never be far from Liverpool hearts and minds and the Reds star was once again at the centre of thoughts on Saturday. Kenny Dalglish laid down a floral tribute to the Premier League winner ahead of the game, as Liverpool supporters held up a mosaic reading 'DJ 20'.

Each Liverpool shirt bore 'Diogo 20' at the front and centre too and the much-loved attacker was not forgotten during the game either. Jota's international team-mate Rafael Leao showed the no.20 after opening the scoring and that was soon followed by an applause all around the stadium when 20 minutes hit the clock.

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