First action for Wirtz in behind closed doors victory

German featured in first half of 5-0 win over Stoke as Nunez hits hat-trick

- By IAN DOYLE

FLORIAN Wirtz made his first appearance for Liverpool since a club record transfer arrival as the Reds eased to victory in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Championship side Stoke City.

Wirtz, a £116million capture from Bayer Leverkusen last month, had been absent from the 3-1 win at Preston North End in the opening warm-up game for Arne Slot's side last weekend.

But the attacking midfielder featured for the first half of the game against Stoke, which was played at the Axa Training Centre at Kirkby on Sunday afternoon.