Liverpool Xi vs AC Milan: Confirmed Team News and Lineup as Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike make first appearance.
Liverpool XI vs AC Milan: Confirmed Team News and Lineup as Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike Make First Appearance in Red
Liverpool XI vs AC Milan: Confirmed Team News and Lineup as Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike Make First Appearance in Red
In what promises to be an electrifying clash between two European heavyweights, Liverpool have officially confirmed their starting lineup to face AC Milan, and all eyes are firmly fixed on the debut appearances of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike — two of the summer’s most high-profile signings for the Merseyside club.
The much-anticipated friendly, taking place as part of Liverpool’s pre-season tour, is being held in front of a packed crowd eager to see how Jürgen Klopp’s rebuilt side is shaping up ahead of the new season. And judging by the starting XI released just moments ago, this match may offer the clearest glimpse yet of Klopp’s tactical evolution — one infused with youthful energy, attacking flair, and bold experimentation.
🔴 Liverpool Starting XI vs AC Milan (Confirmed)
Formation: 4-2-3-1
- GK: Alisson Becker
- RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold
- CB: Ibrahima Konaté
- CB: Virgil van Dijk (Captain)
- LB: Andy Robertson
- CM: Alexis Mac Allister
- CM: Dominik Szoboszlai
- CAM: Florian Wirtz 🔥 (debut)
- RW: Mohamed Salah
- LW: Luis Díaz
- ST: Hugo Ekitike 🔥 (debut)
Bench: Kelleher, Joe Gomez, Jarell Quansah, Kostas Tsimikas, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Darwin Núñez, Cody Gakpo, Stefan Bajčetić, Ryan Gravenberch
✍️ New Signings in the Spotlight: Wirtz & Ekitike
This match marks a significant milestone for two of Europe’s brightest young stars — Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike — who will make their first appearance in a Liverpool shirt since joining the club this summer in what many are calling a statement of intent from Klopp and the board.
🇩🇪 Florian Wirtz: The German Wonderkid
Signed from Bayer Leverkusen in a blockbuster £70 million deal, Wirtz is widely regarded as one of the most intelligent and creative playmakers in European football. At just 21, he has already been compared to legends such as Mesut Özil and Thomas Müller for his vision, touch, and ability to manipulate space between the lines.
Klopp has entrusted Wirtz with the No. 10 role tonight, placing him in charge of linking midfield to attack — a position many Liverpool fans have been hoping to see reinforced since the departure of Philippe Coutinho.
“Wirtz brings something we’ve missed,” Klopp told reporters pre-match. “He sees things others don’t, and he plays with maturity far beyond his years.”
🇫🇷 Hugo Ekitike: The Bold New Striker
After a dramatic transfer saga that saw competition from several Premier League clubs, Liverpool ultimately secured the signature of former PSG forward Hugo Ekitike. The 22-year-old Frenchman arrives as a raw but dynamic attacking talent with a unique profile — tall, fast, fearless, and blessed with a natural striker’s instinct.
He’s expected to lead the line tonight, offering a fresh alternative to Darwin Núñez and Cody Gakpo.
“We see Hugo as a player with immense upside,” assistant coach Pep Lijnders said. “He’s still learning, but tonight is about giving him the platform.”
🧠 Tactical Insights: Klopp’s New Shape
Klopp’s decision to go with a 4-2-3-1 is raising eyebrows — and excitement. With Mac Allister and Szoboszlai operating as the deep-lying pivots, Wirtz will have the freedom to float and create in the attacking third, while Salah and Díaz stretch Milan’s defense wide.
In Ekitike, Klopp may finally have a forward who brings both height and finesse — capable of linking play and finishing chances inside the box.
This new-look front four — Salah, Díaz, Wirtz, Ekitike — offers a balance of creativity, speed, and goal-scoring threat that many believe could reignite Liverpool’s attacking dominance.
⚫ AC Milan Response: Respect, but No Intimidation
AC Milan, meanwhile, are expected to field a mix of seasoned players and young talent, with Rafael Leão, Theo Hernández, and Fikayo Tomori all likely to feature.
While they respect Liverpool’s firepower, Milan’s manager Stefano Pioli emphasized that his side is not here to sit back.
“We’re playing a European giant. But so are they,” he said. “We want to test ourselves. We want to win.”
👀 What to Watch For
- Wirtz’s positioning and chemistry with Salah and Szoboszlai
- Ekitike’s movement off the ball, especially against Milan’s experienced defenders
- Alexander-Arnold’s role — will he invert into midfield again?
- Set-piece strategies with Wirtz potentially on corners and free kicks
- Substitutions in the second half, including potential cameos from Núñez, Elliott, and Bajčetić
🗣 Fan Buzz and Reactions
As expected, Liverpool fans have taken to social media in a frenzy:
“WIRTZ & EKITIKE starting — Klopp’s cooking 🔥”
“This is the most excited I’ve been for a preseason match in YEARS.”
“4-2-3-1? Klopp’s switching things up. Title charge incoming?”
There’s no doubt that excitement is running high — not just for the glamour of the fixture, but for what it represents: a new era of Liverpool, infused with youth, tactical evolution, and fresh ambition.
🔮 Final Thoughts
Tonight’s friendly against AC Milan is more than a pre-season workout. It’s a window into Liverpool’s future — one that may be powered by two fresh faces in Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike. Their first appearance could very well mark the beginning of a new chapter at Anfield.
As the whistle draws near, one thing is clear: Liverpool are building something different — and dangerous.
