Darwin Nunez starred once again as Liverpool secured a 5-0 victory over Stoke City in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Kirkby.
The Uruguayan striker, whose future at Anfield remains uncertain amid interest from clubs across Europe and Saudi Arabia, continued his strong pre-season form, having also scored in last weekend’s 3-1 win against Preston North End.
Nunez’s hat-trick, combined with a goal from teenage winger Rio Ngumoha, helped Arne Slot’s side race into a commanding 4-0 lead by half-time against the Championship side on Sunday.
Liverpool’s record signing Florian Wirtz made his first appearance since completing a £116 million move from Bayer Leverkusen.
The German international operated behind a front three comprising Mohamed Salah, Nunez, and Ngumoha.
Federico Chiesa was among the substitutes introduced in the second half and wrapped up the scoring with Liverpool’s fifth goal.
Slot’s squad will depart for their Asia pre-season tour on Sunday evening.
Their first stop is Hong Kong, where they will face AC Milan next Saturday at the new 50,000-capacity Kai Tak Stadium.
Liverpool will then travel to Tokyo for their first visit to Japan since the 2005 Club World Championship final, where Rafael Benitez’s side lost 1-0 to São Paulo.
The Reds will take on local team Yokohama F. Marinos – currently bottom of the 20-team J1 League – at the 72,000-capacity Nissan Stadium on July 30.
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