Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp had not intended to add Wataru Endo to the team during the summer transfer window.
To everyone’s surprise, Endo made an unexpected arrival at Anfield in preparation for the new season. Despite his prior commitment to Stuttgart in the preceding seasons, the Japanese player’s move to Liverpool caught many off guard.
Despite the unforeseen transfer, Endo has proven to be a valuable asset for the Reds. Reflecting on his performance, former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy shared on TalkSPORT yesterday that the 30-year-old midfielder has seamlessly integrated into Jurgen Klopp’s vision for the team’s midfield.
“What Liverpool did is they realised quickly. They saw last season and have gone, ‘come, on’,” began the pundit. “So who’ve they brought in? They’ve brought in Szoboszlai, I mean you don’t get a better athletic player than that.
“He’s technically gifted as well, but what does Klopp love from his midfielders? Press, press, press. Can you go 18 yard box to 18 yard box? Like the great three he had with Henderson, Wijnaldum, Fabinho, Milner, those four actually, who could just do the work, because the other three won them the games.
“Gravenberch – super athlete. Six foot plus, fast, quick, strong. Then, okay, he wasn’t his first choice because they were after Caicedo I know, but Endo comes in. Tenacious, aggressive, defensive-minded player, captain of Stuttgart. They identify the players they need for the way they want to play.”
Endo Secures Spot at Liverpool
Murphy’s insight is worth delving into at this juncture. With the impending January transfer window, various links to different players will inevitably surface. Fans, consciously or not, tend to gravitate towards endorsing one player over another.
Take, for instance, the current fervour among Liverpool supporters for acquiring Joao Palhinha from Fulham. According to some, no other player will suffice; Palhinha is deemed essential for their Premier League aspirations.
During the summer, a substantial number of fans championed Moises Caicedo as the indispensable player, particularly for the role of a defensive midfielder. It was a clear-cut choice for many – Caicedo or nothing.
However, as demonstrated by Endo and Alexis Mac Allister, there exist diverse approaches to addressing this specific requirement. The landscape of options extends beyond a singular preference, showcasing the versatility in player choices.
Endo and, to a lesser extent, Mac Allister embody Klopp’s ideal No.6 profile. Instead of honing in on a specific player, targeting a player profile enhances the coherence of the transfer strategy.
In contrast, Murphy highlights Manchester United’s player acquisition policy as the antithesis of Liverpool’s. United often pursues ‘names’ rather than players aligning with their football style. Until this alignment occurs, success remains elusive.
Despite initial skepticism surrounding Endo’s signing, it underscores Liverpool’s robust condition. They can bring in a player not initially topping their list and still have him excel. This exemplifies the art of team-building.
In other Liverpool news, Moises Caicedo Reveals the Reasons Behind Choosing Chelsea Over Liverpool Transfer