Arne Slot has been full of compliments for Wataru Endo’s contributions this season, even though the Japanese international has only started six matches across all competitions. This former VFB Stuttgart talent made a notable impact during the final 20 minutes of our face-off against Wolves on Sunday, helping us secure a 2-1 victory at Anfield.
Landing at Liverpool in the summer of 2023, Endo quickly won over the hearts of Kopites with his relentless dedication and signature gum shield. Despite not clocking in as much playing time as he might have hoped, he consistently delivers when called upon, which is exactly why Jurgen Klopp highlighted his efforts earlier today.
Slot shared with Liverpoolfc.com, “I think Wata has been really useful for us this season. It’s not always just about the minutes you play. Sometimes, a player can make more of a difference in just a few minutes than in an entire match.”
“What sets Wata apart, in my eyes, is his ability to shine whenever we depend on him—be it for five, ten, or twenty-five minutes,” Slot continued. “It’s a challenge many players face when they lack consistent playing time; maintaining their rhythm and performance is tough. Yet, he always brings his best when needed, which isn’t exactly simple.”
Slot also noted, “Defending tends to be more straightforward than creating, so when a player who hasn’t had much playtime is asked to generate something on the field, it’s definitely more demanding. Wata has been crucial for us and will continue to be so in the coming weeks.”
Although Endo has been used both as a central defender and in a deep-lying midfield position when needed, he likely won’t start in tomorrow’s match against Aston Villa in the Midlands. However, his reliability means he might be called upon from the bench if we need to lock down the game in its final stages.
Liverpool fans appreciate Endo’s unwavering effort every time he steps onto the pitch. As he aims to add more trophies to his collection with the club this season, it’s gratifying to see him receive well-deserved recognition from the manager.
