Is it the End(o) Wataru at Liverpool FC?

Liverpool FC signed 31-year-old Wataru Endo from VfB Stuttgart last season after being linked with moves for defensive midfielders like Moisés Caicedo and Roméo Lavia, neither of which materialised.

Endo’s signing invoked a lot of criticism and doubt from a majority of Reds supporters, who thought he was an underwhelming signing at best. It also seemed so as initially he struggled with the pace and intensity of the Premier league.

However, the Japan international soon endeared himself to the Liverpool faithful with consistent performances game after game and soon established himself in the first team. He was also instrumental in Liverpool’s one last quadruple challenge under Jürgen Klopp, though it fizzled out rather quickly this time round.

Towards the business end, it appeared as though Endo had run out of steam along with the rest of the team. He did, however, play well in the Carabao Cup final, which Liverpool won.

There have been recent reports claiming Liverpool have rejected an offer from Olympique de Marseille for Endo, and so speculations have begun as to whether or not he should stay at Anfield. The Merseyside Reds are either looking for a better offer or they really do want to hold on to Endo for another season. 

From what we witnessed last season, I do feel Liverpool need a young, energetic holding midfielder, though that does not necessarily mean Endo needs to leave. He is an experienced midfielder who can help the squad and while also guiding the young players.

It is important to have a senior player in the middle of the pitch in big games and also navigate through knockout games in domestic competitions, where Liverpool can be expected to rotate players to avoid injuries.

If Endo does leave, Liverpool’s immediate options are Stefan Bajcetic and Tyler Morton, both of whom are comparatively inexperienced, Bajcetic in particular having been through a long injury layoff.

Endo is also captain of the Japan national team. Having a leader like him, from whom young players who could learn a lot, is crucial for a club like Liverpool.

There have also been comments based on one pre-season game that he isn’t suitable to Arne Slot’s style of play. It’s still early days, however, and one poor performance isn’t enough of a sample size. I believe he is a decent-enough player to learn and adapt to a different style of play.

Again, I would like to reiterate that Liverpool do need a young defensive midfielder, something Endo himself has been honest enough to admit, but for them to challenge in several competitions, especially in the Champions League, a competitive squad comprising a mix of young and experienced players is vital. 

It’s time to wait and see whether Liverpool think so too.

Also read: Liverpool FC Sponsors 2024/25