Wataru Endo Impresses in First Start at Anfield

Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo produced his best performance in a Liverpool shirt yet as he started for the first time at Anfield in Wednesday’s 3-1 win over Leicester. Endo, who was signed from Stuttgart for £16 million towards the end of the summer, had reservations over his move to Merseyside due to a shaky showing against LASK in the Europa League. However, the Japan captain was much improved as he returned to the side to face Leicester.

On his first start at Anfield, Endo was heavily involved throughout, with more defensive actions than any other Liverpool player (10), per FotMob, and the most aerial duels won from either side (three). Harvey Elliott, with 13, was the only player to make more passes into the final third than his 11, which included the assist for Dominik Szoboszlai‘s wonder strike.

It was a display that may have changed perceptions over Endo’s start to life at Anfield, but the 30-year-old was reserved in his assessment. “Next round [reached]. I’m happy to play in my first starting 11 at Anfield!” the midfielder wrote on Twitter. “I will keep trying.” His final four words are characteristic of the hard-working player he was lauded as by Bundesliga experts upon his switch from Germany.

Endo has now started in both the Europa League and the League Cup, and can be expected to do so again when the Reds host Union SG in their next Group E clash on October 5. On the basis of his first full 90 minutes at Anfield, there should be no concerns if he does so.

Endo’s Move to Liverpool

Endo’s move to Liverpool came as a surprise to many, but it is clear that Jurgen Klopp saw something special in him. The Japan captain is known for his hard-working attitude and his ability to read the game, which makes him an ideal fit for Klopp’s system.

Endo’s signing also adds depth to Liverpool’s midfield, which is an area that has been lacking in recent seasons. With fierce competition for places in Klopp’s new-look midfield, Endo will need to continue to impress if he is to cement his place in the team.

Endo’s Performance Against Leicester

Endo’s performance against Leicester was impressive, and it showed that he can be a valuable asset for Liverpool. He made more defensive actions than any other player on the pitch (10), and won the most aerial duels (three). He also made 11 passes into the final third, which included an assist for Szoboszlai’s wonder strike.

Endo’s performance against Leicester has certainly changed perceptions over his start to life at Anfield, and he will be hoping to build on this performance in future games. With Liverpool fighting on four fronts this season, more rotation can be expected, and Endo will be looking to take advantage of any opportunities that come his way.

Conclusion

Wataru Endo has made an impressive start to life at Anfield, and his performance against Leicester has certainly changed perceptions over his move to Liverpool. He is known for his hard-working attitude and his ability to read the game, which makes him an ideal fit for Klopp’s system.

Endo will need to continue to impress if he is to cement his place in the team, but on the basis of his first full 90 minutes at Anfield, there should be no concerns if he does so.