Nearly 6 years since his first trip to Europe to play, Wataru Endo is becoming an important part of Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp even praised the Japanese midfielder after the FA Cup final.
"I have said many times before. Liverpool are lucky to have signed Endo. I am quite sure that in the next 3 or 4 years, he will sign another long-term contract at Liverpool. Endo could be in his 30s or 31s but he's still playing like a machine," said the German.
At 31, Endo is not the contract that many Liverpool fans expected at the end of last summer's transfer window. Therefore, although Endo played excellently at Stuttgart, it is understandable the surprise of his impact at Anfield. That is a team that just avoided the risk of relegation last season. In contrast, Liverpool are a team with higher aspirations but are showing many gaps in the middle of the field.
The departure of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson and Thiago's injury problems have further complicated the situation for Klopp. However, it was those difficult circumstances that helped the "Red Brigade" get a contract that was more successful than expected. Endo won the Carabao Cup with Liverpool and is now a key figure as they pursue more noble titles.
Dominik Szoboszlai, another Liverpool standout signing this season, insists Endo has always been present all over the pitch. "It felt like you went past Endo and back and he was there," Szoboszlai said.
Meanwhile, Klopp described Endo as a " machine" - "He is one of the hardest-working people I have ever met".
According to Klopp, Endo's success comes not only from effort. "His defensive brain is excellent. His presence in midfield has changed the momentum. He brings something different to the team, we have to say that is clear. Endo made the tackles," Klopp said.
In particular, Alexis MacAllister has benefited a lot every time the Japanese midfielder is on the field. With a solid shield behind, the 2022 World Cup champion can comfortably attack to support the attack, put pressure and score.
Endo did not play well in the dramatic defeat in the FA Cup quarter-finals against Manchester United, but part of the reason came from Liverpool's tight schedule. The statistics still show the midfielder's influence on The Kop.
In the Premier League this season, every time Endo is on the field, Liverpool often has a very impressive defensive record. It was no coincidence, as Issame Charai, Endo's former manager at Sint-Truiden, pointed out: "His greatest quality is to bring balance to the team."
Charai added: "Endo is a very good player. He always thinks about what to do when his team loses the ball. He likes to play one-on-one and two- contests so he doesn't complicate the game too much. He is also very strong mentally."
It is not an exaggeration to say that Endo is the last "deal" that Klopp left for Liverpool this season. With just £16 million, the German tactician has brought a solution to Liverpool's midfield problem.
