What to look out for as Reds fly out for their 10-day tour of Asia

Asia, the ECHO has taken a look at what to keep an eye out for as the Reds’ embark on their preseason tour of the Far East...

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Wirtz watch

While Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Freddie Woodman all made unofficial debuts for Liverpool against Preston North End last weekend, there was no sign of club-record signing Florian Wirtz.

One of a number of senior stars left out of the matchday squad at Deepdale, it’s believed he was one of only two players, along with Ibrahima Konate, who did not travel to Lancashire.

However, supporters' appetite has since been whetted courtesy of the sight of Wirtz in training at the AXA Training Centre, with LFC TV on hand to capture how he is settling in.

Kopites will have to wait at least a further week to see the German make his unofficial debut for the club. But all those of a Reds persuasion will be hungry to see Wirtz pull on a Liverpool shirt for the first time in Asia.

Hero's welcome

Liverpool will have all their star players with them in Asia.

But one of them is perhaps set for a greater welcome than most.

Wataru Endo became only the Reds’ second Japanese player when joining the club in 2023.

Captain of his national team, he will be worshipped like no other back in his homeland.

With Liverpool's second friendly in Asia taking place at the 72,327 capacity Nissan Stadium in Yokohoma, the Reds veteran is set to be a firm home favourite.

New vice-captain

Liverpool need a new vice-captain this summer following the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid.