Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo has conveyed a clear transfer message to Arne Slot this summer as he prepares for his first transfer window in charge at Anfield.
Wataru Endo has urged Arne Slot to sign a defensive midfielder this summer, even if it may cost him his spot in Liverpool’s starting lineup. Last season, the Japan international was the club’s only true defensive midfielder, which took a physical toll on him.
Liverpool revamped their midfield last summer after losing Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Fabinho, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and Ryan Gravenberch were signed as replacements, though there were still gaps in the midfield.
At 31, Endo was the only defensive midfielder available to Jurgen Klopp last season, which strained his performance and body. This included playing all 120 minutes of the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea, after which he had to miss the next game due to injury from the match.
Fast forward to today, Endo is now urging the new boss, Slot, to sign some reinforcements for the area to avoid repeating the same mistake next season.
“I don’t care about those reports, but I also think it would be better to get a No. 6 midfielder,” he said via MSN. “I think there is a possibility that they are viewing Mac Allister as a No. 6, but at the moment there aren’t many No. 6 players to begin with.
“I had the most opportunities to play, and so did Mac Allister. We also had Thiago Alcantara, but he had a lot of injuries and is set to leave the club at the end of this season.
“We also have [Stefan Bajcetic], but it’s still unclear as to whether he will be able to contribute immediately. Considering my age [at 31], I think it might be OK for me to get the No. 6.
“But if it ultimately makes the team stronger then I’m all for it because there will be competition and I just have to win my position again. So I’m not really worried about it, and in fact, I think it might be OK if I win!”
Liverpool have already been linked with players such as Atalanta duo Teun Koopmeiners and Ederson, who are both capable of filling the role. However, no move has materialized yet.
While Mac Allister can play in the position, if Liverpool want to compete next season, Slot will need him in his preferred role.
Stefan Bajcetic has also missed nearly a season of action, so it will take him some time to regain match sharpness.
Considering these factors, along with Endo being over 30, it seems almost inevitable that the club will invest in a new defensive midfielder.
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