Liverpool's tour of Asia concluded with a resounding victory in Yokohama, as the Reds overcame an early setback to defeat J-League champions Yokohama F. Marinos 3–1. In a game marked by innovation, individual brilliance, and youth-driven momentum, Liverpool showed signs of readiness ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
The match, played at the Nissan Stadium in front of a roaring crowd of over 67,000, was not just another friendly it was a statement of direction. The Reds combined seasoned stars, new arrivals, and academy sensations, offering a glimpse of Arne Slot’s evolving identity for the post-Klopp era.
⚽ Match Summary
Final Score:
Liverpool 3–1 Yokohama F. Marinos
Venue: Nissan Stadium, Japan
Date: July 29, 2025
Attendance: 67,428
Scorers:
- Yokohama: Asahi Uenaka (55’)
- Liverpool: Florian Wirtz (62’), Trey Nyoni (68’), Rio Ngumoha (87’)
Liverpool conceded first, but goals from Wirtz, Nyoni, and Ngumoha turned the match on its head. Though billed as a friendly, the clash revealed a lot about Liverpool’s depth, tactical evolution, and hunger for success in the coming season.
🔥 First Half: Caution, Control & Chemistry Building
Liverpool began the match cautiously, with Slot deploying a rotated lineup that included Joe Gomez, Jarell Quansah, Kostas Tsimikas, and summer signings Wirtz and Ekitike. The first 45 minutes were defined by measured possession, calculated risk-taking, and moments of individual flair, particularly from Wirtz and Harvey Elliott.
However, Yokohama were far from passengers. Their press was well-organized, and their buildup play was fluid — forcing Mamardashvili, Liverpool’s new goalkeeper from Valencia, into an early full-stretch save to deny Uenaka in the 19th minute.
Liverpool’s best chance came through a sweeping move involving Elliott and Wirtz, but the final effort was palmed away by Yokohama’s keeper.
⚡ Second Half: Fireworks, Comebacks & Emerging Stars
The second half exploded into life:
55' — GOAL: Yokohama Shock the Reds
Asahi Uenaka latched onto a low cross and calmly slotted past Mamardashvili, putting Yokohama 1–0 up. The stadium erupted.
62' — GOAL: Wirtz’s First in Red
Just six minutes later, Mohamed Salah, introduced as part of a triple substitution, sliced through Yokohama’s left flank and squared for Florian Wirtz, who tapped in the equalizer. It was a debut goal that instantly boosted confidence in the German wonderkid.
68' — GOAL: Trey Nyoni’s Acrobatic Finish
In one of the highlights of the night, Jeremie Frimpong whipped in a curling cross from the right, and Trey Nyoni, only 18, soared high to volley into the net. It was the goal of a player far older than his years.
87' — GOAL: Rio Ngumoha’s Moment
At just 16 years old, Rio Ngumoha capped off the night by slaloming past two defenders before curling a sensational finish into the far corner. It was a solo goal reminiscent of a young Sadio Mané — and sent fans on social media into a frenzy.
🔬 Tactical Analysis
🔁 Rotation & Structure
Arne Slot made 9 substitutions, but the team maintained structure — a sign of strong preseason training and understanding of his system.
First Half Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Ekitike up top
- Wirtz behind the striker
- Elliott and Gakpo on the flanks
- Kerkez and Frimpong as advanced full-backs
Second Half Adjustments: 4-3-3
- Núñez and Salah wide
- Mac Allister and Jones in midfield
- Defensive reinforcement through Van Dijk and Robertson
🧠 Positional Flexibility
- Wirtz showed capability as both a CAM and a winger
- Ekitike drifted wide, pulling defenders out of shape
- Frimpong and Kerkez offered explosive width — key to Slot’s vertical style📊
| 📊 Player Ratings Player |
Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Giorgi Mamardashvili | 7.5 | Solid debut, sharp reflexes |
| Joe Gomez | 7 | Comfortable in buildup |
| Florian Wirtz | 8.5 | Debut goal, clever movement |
| Hugo Ekitike | 6.5 | Decent link-up, lacked sharpness |
| Harvey Elliott | 7.5 | Busy, inventive |
| Trey Nyoni | 9 | One goal, tireless pressing |
| Rio Ngumoha | 9.5 | Goal + swagger — breakout moment |
| Jeremie Frimpong | 8 | Constant threat, assist to Nyoni |
| Virgil van Dijk | 7 | Leadership steady after coming on |
| Darwin Núñez | 6.5 | Energy without end product |
| Mohamed Salah | 7.5 | Key to tempo change, assisted Wirtz |
🗣️ What Arne Slot Said
"We saw what we wanted structure, progression, and personality. I was proud of the young boys. They didn’t play like it was a friendly they played like it was their chance. And they took it."
This statement underlines Slot’s focus on meritocracy and integration of youth a key pillar of Liverpool’s squad build in 2025.
🌍 Fan Reactions Across the Globe
🇳🇬 Nigeria (Twitter/X):
"Trey Nyoni… remember the name. What a baller!"
"Slot ball looking spicy 🔥🔥"
🇬🇧 UK (Reddit):
“Ngumoha! That boy’s confidence. Like watching Raheem Sterling in 2014.”
“We looked sharp. Preseason or not, this was a solid response to Milan loss.”
🇯🇵 Japan (Local media):
“Liverpool’s academy shocked Yokohama more than their stars.” – Nikkan Sports
🔁 Global Media Coverage
Sky Sports:
"Slot’s Liverpool look young, hungry, and ready. Ngumoha the breakout name."
(Headline: “From Yokohama to Anfield: The New Kids Are Here”)
ESPN FC:
"Florian Wirtz and Liverpool’s next-gen stars headline 3–1 win. Ekitike debut encouraging."
The Athletic:
"Preseason is about patterns, not just results. And this was patterned excellence."
🎯 Why This Game Was More Than a Friendly
- Proved Squad Depth: 3 different goal scorers — none older than 22
- Debut Brilliance: Wirtz scoring on first start built confidence
- Ekitike Integration: Showed glimpses of understanding
- Youth Promotion: A reminder of what Ngumoha, Nyoni, and Danns can bring
- Slot's Control: Liverpool dominated second-half possession at 72%
🏆 What’s Next?
Liverpool’s next match is at Anfield against Athletic Club (August 3) — their final pre-season test before the Community Shield vs. Man City. Slot is expected to name a stronger XI, with Ekitike likely starting again, and Ngumoha possibly earning his first home appearance.
📣 Final Word from Reliable Football
“From Japan with flair, Liverpool’s preseason tour has been more than games — it’s been a declaration: The future is not coming. The future is already here.”
Slot's Liverpool is taking shape — youthful, hungry, and expressive. If this match is anything to go by, the 2025/26 season could be one of the most exciting in recent memory.
💬 What Do You Think?
- Should Ngumoha stay with the first team?
- Is Wirtz the long-term heir to Firmino’s creativity?
- Will Ekitike come good?
- How would you rate the tour overall?
Drop your comments below and keep it Reliable Football for the best in-depth, match-driven content.
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