Stuttgart boss on Wataru Endo achieving his dream moving to Liverpool at the age of 30
Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeneß reveals the dream Wataru Endo had to play in the Premier League but is not happy with the move from his team’s viewpoint.
Liverpool have agreed on a deal with the German side to sign the Japanese international and captain for a fee of around €19m.
Endo could be announced anytime soon by the Reds as the quest to fill the necessary midfield slots continue.
Talking about this move, while Hoeneß is happy for the player, he isn’t too pleased with the potential implications it can have on his team. Endo was the Stuttgart captain and the heart and soul of the team. Here’s what their manager said (h/t VfB Stuttgart Twitter):
“Wataru Endo has been cleared by the club for talks. He flew to England for a medical check and wasn’t in training today. At the age of 30 he now has the opportunity to join Liverpool in the Premier League. It’s a dream of his.
“From the club’s point of view, we speak of an economically good package. From a sporting point of view, of course, I’m not thrilled. Wataru is an important player both athletically and personally. He’s our captain. He has made 99 of 102 possible Bundesliga games. He was always there in important moments.”
It is understandable why he is not overly thrilled here. This also shows how important and consistent Endo was for the Bundesliga side. He scored the winning goal that kept them in the division last season.
The 30-year-old is a versatile midfielder who can play as a defensive midfielder, is capable of operating as an eight with an eye for a goal or two and has played as a centre-back in the past as well.
So, in a deal where Liverpool are not playing a crazy amount of money for an experienced player, they are getting someone who can help in filling up to three slots in the squad.
In terms of attributes, the Japan superstar can run all day long, is good at interceptions, can win aerial duels at a canter despite being less than 6ft tall and is deceptively good on the ball.
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Some of his passing game got restricted because he was used to playing for a side that didn’t dominate possession of the football much. Well, he will get the opportunity at Anfield alright.
