Wataru Endo has turned 31 and it is difficult to imagine him still being useful to Liverpool in terms of expertise in prestigious playgrounds. However, when talking about Endo at this time, The Kop fans do not necessarily list goals or assists, they talk more about the qualities that the man Endo is bringing to the team.
Of the dozens of players in Liverpool's first team, only Endo wears a mouthguard in every match, as if preparing to enter the boxing ring. The Japanese international shared that it is a way for him to feel more confident and focused, putting himself in the most serious competition mode.
With his humble and receptive nature, Endo has never complained about his position under Arne Slot. There were times when he was placed at the lowest position in midfield, which is his forte. There were also times when Endo played as a centre-back to rotate key players to fight in big tournaments. For Liverpool, when the team needed an additional shield to feel safer, Endo was always the trusted choice.
Indeed, in the nine times Endo was brought on as a substitute by Slot in the Premier League, Liverpool never lost points compared to the available results. In fact, 8 of those matches were victories for the "Red Brigade".
In secondary competitions such as the FA Cup and League Cup, Liverpool have won every match Endo has started. The only defeat the Reds have suffered with Endo on the pitch was a 0-1 loss to Tottenham in the first leg of the League Cup semi-final. However, in that match, the Japanese midfielder came on as a substitute.
It cannot be said that Endo is at the top level in English football, but in a team with ambitions in many arenas, they always need someone like Endo. The 31-year-old midfielder is the type of player that every team needs because every time he is assigned the task of rotating the pillars, he does very well.
"Endo's mental battle is amazing. When he gets fouled, he just shakes his head in disappointment for a moment and then continues fighting" - Arne Slot shared.
There was a time when Endo played well and was considered a mainstay in the early stages of Arne Slot's tenure. However, the remarkable progress of Ryan Gravenberch has made the Japanese international's starting position no longer available. However, Endo still performed well when given the opportunity, which made him not considered redundant at Anfield.
Liverpool have qualified for the Champions League group stage as group winners and are now entering the most gruelling tourmalet of the season. With the chance of winning four trophies still intact, Arne Slot needs a true warrior like Wataru Endo to avoid running out of steam at the most crucial moments.
