Florian Wirtz spotted being tasked with surprise role during Liverpool’s pre-season training camp

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Liverpool are back on Merseyside as they continue their countdown to the new season.

The Reds enjoyed a productive visit to the Far East in July, building fitness with games against AC Milan and Yokohama F. Marinos.

While the results ultimately mean nothing at all, the trip was a positive one for several reasons.

One of the best things about the Liverpool squad travelling halfway around the world together is the bonding which comes with that.

Liverpool players are close-knit as it is, but the tour gave new signings such as Florian Wirtz the chance to bed in and feel a part of the club. Wirtz toured Tokyo with some of his new teammates and seems to be settling in well.

The German is also adapting nicely on the pitch, scoring his first goal for the club during Wednesday’s match. And as he continues to develop an understanding of his role in Arne Slot’s team, Wirtz has also been spotted performing a slightly surprising role during training.

Florian Wirtz on corner duty for Liverpool

One of the only real criticisms of Liverpool during Slot’s first year in charge was that they are not effective enough from set-pieces.

The Reds have some serious height in their team, but often failed to capitalise on dead-ball situations.

Not all of this can be put down to questionable tactics, of course, some of it is simply because of poor deliveries.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold now departed, Liverpool have seemingly been looking for someone else to take corners this season.

READ MORE: Florian Wirtz raves about new Liverpool teammate after goal in friendly win

And according to The Athletic, Wirtz was one of two named players asked to swing balls into the box during Liverpool’s set-piece practice in Japan.

The 22-year-old reportedly joined Alexis Mac Allister in delivering corners while coach Aaron Briggs drilled players to defend and attack the balls in.

Liverpool trying out new tactics

Corner-taking is not something most fans would associate with Wirtz. However, it is also true that, diminutive as he is, the No. 7 is perhaps not the greatest weapon to have attacking balls in.

Perhaps it is a better decision to have him use his technical skills to try and create something instead.

Either way, Liverpool were clearly trying a number of new ideas during their training sessions in Japan.

The Athletic report on Liverpool’s use of long throws in training, with Wataru Endo said to be someone showing particular promise in this area.

Like Wirtz being on corners, maybe this is something we simply will not see once the season actually begins. But it is interesting to hear nonetheless.