Liverpool played a behind closed doors game ahead of their pre-season tour of Asia.

The Reds might be flying to Hong Kong on Sunday evening to kick-start their tour of Asia, but first, they gave some of their players important minutes in a friendly against Stoke City.

They fielded a strong team for the first half that saw Florian Wirtz make his unofficial debut, with Liverpool 4-0 up at the break.

A hat-trick from Darwin Nunez and a goal from youngster Rio Ngumoa put them in control, with a second half goal from Federico Chiesa meaning Arne Slot’s side came away with a 5-0 win.

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Not only has this game been a huge talking point as fans did not know it was happening, but the performances from players have left many supporters with a lot to say.



Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Pre-season is all about minutes and ensuring players are as sharp as possible, with Liverpool jetting off for their tour of Asia very soon.

Many of the players will see these games as a chance to prove to Slot why they should be in his team, and some of the fringe players might have managed that during this secret friendly.

Don’t sell him,” while another agreed and put: “Chiesa will be so important for us next season.”

READ MORE: Verdict delivered on whether Hugo Ekitike will join Liverpool’s pre-season tour to Asia

Nunez’s goals have also come at a very convenient time given the Ekitike links, with one fan saying: “Nunez saw the Ekitike transfer and finally started to score goals.”

Another fan put: “Nunez might come really good this season,” while one supporter still thinks he should be sold, writing: “Sell Nunez.

Don’t let a hat-trick against a behind closed doors Championship side fool you!”

As for Ngumoha, he shone again, with one fan putting: “This is Rio Ngumoha’s season, and I’m seated.”

Whereas one supporter was quick to point out how keen Slot appears to be on the winger, saying: “So far it seems like Slot is a huge fan of Rio Ngumoha.

I expect him to play at least 5 matches min this season.”

Granted, this game was only a friendly and was behind closed doors, but there is no denying that Nunez has looked decent so far in the small amount of minutes he has received.

Their plan all along appeared to be to sell the 26-year-old if a suitable offer came in, and with Hugo Ekitike soon to come through the door at Anfield, it seems even more likely.

However, there is always a chance the Uruguayan stays put and it might not necessarily be a bad thing if he did as he is a more than adequate back-up option.

Paying £85m for a second choice, however, is far from ideal, but if he continues to impress during pre-season then who knows?