Florian Wirtz made his highly anticipated Liverpool debut during a behind-closed-doors pre-season friendly against Stoke City.

After signing for the Reds from Bayer Leverkusen earlier in the transfer window in a record-breaking move, the 22-year-old made his first appearance after missing the opening preseason win over Preston North End.

The German international featured in the first half of the match, held at the AXA Training Centre in Kirkby.

Florian Wirtz makes long-awaited Liverpool debut in secret friendly	Florian Wirtz makes Liverpool debut as Darwin Nunez scores hat-trick in behind-closed-doors friendly	Jeremie Frimpong's position and performance in Liverpool friendly turns heads

Wirtz featured in a strong starting XI that saw captain Virgil van Dijk also make his first appearance of preseason.

The German international played in the number 10 role, flanked by Ngumoha on the left, Mohamed Salah on the right, and Nunez, who looked particularly sharp, leading the line.

All eyes will have been on Wirtz as he pulled on a Liverpool shirt for the first time since his high-profile switch from the Bundesliga.

One of the biggest questions leading into Arne Slot’s second season has been how he plans to accommodate both Wirtz and Szoboszlai, given their preference for operating in similar advanced roles.

It may not have been the debut Wirtz envisioned, but the quieter setting provided a perfect opportunity for him to acclimate to a new system and teammates.

There will be plenty of chances for Reds fans to see the midfielder play before the start of the Premier League season