With Fabinho moving to Saudi Arabia, Liverpool moved to acquire Ecuadorian midfielder Moises Caicedo and Belgian midfielder Romeo Lavia. However, there was not the usual smoothness in the transfer market, resulting in both players moving to Chelsea.
The need for a defensive midfielder was paramount, so Liverpool turned to Germany and acquired Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo from Stuttgart. In the Bundesliga, he excelled in one-on-one defensive handling and was described as a duel king.
His first challenge in England is still a lot to get used to, and Alexis Mac Allister, who is not his main position in the Premier League, has been given priority.
The national team captain revealed his confusion at the differences from his time in Germany, but also expressed his surprise that his move to Liverpool has materialized.
“Everything’s different: physical, technique, speed,”
“It’s the Premier League. Of course, I don’t play a lot of games in the Premier League but when I played against Newcastle, it was a very tough game for me. It’s a lot of speed, everything is different.”
“I thought I still had the chance to talk to a team. I’m not young but all of the top teams can sign youngsters in the first position but if they didn’t get the chance to sign the young players maybe they want experienced players,”
“That’s what I was thinking in the summer, and that actually happened.”
“I was a bit surprised. I really wanted to move but it was the end of August and I was like, maybe I don’t get the chance. I was a bit surprised.”
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At 30 years of age, he is about to step into the veteran’s role. He is also the captain of the national team and is expected to provide a high level of leadership.
He has played in the Europa League and domestic cup competitions, and is gradually adapting to Klopp’s style of soccer.
He has finally found a place in the Premier League. Will the former Stuttgart midfielder be able to succeed on his dream stage?