One Liverpool player, often underrated, has been outstanding in international matches and continues to deliver strong performances for both club and country.
Liverpool are facing one of their most crucial transfer windows in nearly ten years, with Arne Slot stepping in to replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.
The Merseyside team secured a third-place finish in the Premier League during Klopp’s final season, marking a notable improvement from their fifth-place result the previous year.
A significant factor in this improvement was their strategic recruitment for the midfield. They added Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and Wataru Endo from Stuttgart. The Japan international, in particular, has surpassed all expectations.
Endo Was Outstanding on International Duty
Japan secured a decisive 5-0 victory over Syria, with Wataru Endo standing out as an exceptional player, continuing to be underrated.
Endo had an impressive 77 touches of the ball and achieved a 93% passing accuracy. He won all of his tackles and made nine recoveries, significantly contributing to Japan’s success.
His performance has been crucial in maintaining Japan’s perfect qualification record. After six games, Japan has won all six and scored 24 goals.
Remarkably, Japan has not conceded a single goal in their group, largely thanks to Endo’s relentless efforts in the midfield, providing robust defense.
Endo joined his current club last summer for approximately £16 million, as reported by the BBC. Initially perceived as a rushed signing, the Japanese international has proven to be one of the club’s standout players.
Liverpool acquired Endo after failing to sign Ecuadorian international Moises Caicedo and Belgian midfielder Romeo Lavia, who both went to Chelsea.
Though Endo’s signing seemed underwhelming for Liverpool, the 31-year-old has arguably outperformed the others this season.
With Lavia facing injury issues and Caicedo struggling, Endo has emerged as a reliable performer, potentially becoming a key player for Slot.
Liverpool’s midfield isn’t a target for strengthening, as decision-makers believe their current options suffice.
Priority lies in securing new contracts for key players like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil Van Dijk, with Alexander-Arnold’s renewal topping the club’s to-do list.
Given this, Liverpool should persist with Endo, who has excelled and could play a vital role moving forward.
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