After missing out on the likes of Moises Caicedo and Romeo LaVia, Liverpool last summer turned to Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo, who was playing for Stuttgart at the time.
Although he was initially confused by the Premier League immediately after joining, he adapted from the end of the year and played a number of games in the second half of the season as the mainstay of the team.
However, the appointment of manager Arne Slot saw him drop down the pecking order. The player’s position demands a different role and, with Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch’s underwhelming performances, he has been warming the bench for a number of days.
The Japan captain was the subject of an offer from Marseille in the summer transfer window, but rumours of his departure from Liverpool have smouldered.
English clubs are also said to be interested, and it is reported that he could be sold this winter if a new defensive midfielder can be secured.
The 31-year-old veteran midfielder has not listened to the rumours flying around in the media. The national team captain said that staying at Liverpool is only his immediate goal and revealed that he will need all his players to get through a tough season and win the title.
“We have a new manager. I think he wants to see every player.”
“It is too early to judge anything. A club like Liverpool needs the depth of the squad. It needs all the players to play in all these competitions and to win titles.”
“I have no idea what people are saying about me, but my plan is staying here,”
“I have been doing what I should do and getting myself in shape.”
Synchronous
He understands his position and steadily does what he can.He never complains and has a high level of leadership.
Even if he is not a regular, he is a valuable asset to the team both on and off the pitch and, like James Milner in the past, it would be interesting to see him introduced midway through the season in a closer’s role in baseball.
He has shown flashes of brilliance in his short appearances and his consistent performances will surely be needed at some point in the season.
Like last season, he will play above and beyond expectations when called upon, and will be appreciated by the managers and coaches, who will give him more playing time of their own.