Owen Hargreaves left stunned by Wataru Endo after Liverpool debut
Liverpool FC’s midfield puzzle has seen some crucial pieces fall into place with the recent acquisition of Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo from Stuttgart.
While the name might not have sparked immediate recognition among the Anfield faithful, the £16m transfer fee for Endo might prove to be an absolute steal, according to former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves. Here is what Hargreaves told Premier League Productions via ECHO about Endo:
“He’s not a sexy name, like people wanted, but he is an impactful player. I really like him. He will be a six for them.”
“Out of possession he is brilliant, in terms of pressing the ball. He’s amazing in the air considering he’s only 5ft 10, honestly. His vertical, it’s insane. He was captain of Stuttgart, captain of his country. An absolute leader. He cost €20m (£16m) because he was 30 years old and had one year left [on his contract], but I think they’ve got a bit of a steal there Liverpool.”
In a summer that oversaw the departure of several key midfielders, including the likes of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, Liverpool’s midfield depth saw itself put to the test. With only Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai brought in before Endo’s arrival, the need for reinforcement in the midfield became apparent. The arrival of Endo, though not a marquee name, addresses this need with a player who possesses both experience and ability.
The 30-year-old’s leadership qualities are another aspect that can’t be overlooked. Endo’s experience as captain both at Stuttgart and for his national team speaks volumes about his ability to guide and inspire those around him. As Liverpool faced a potential void in leadership following the departure of stalwarts, Endo’s leadership on and off the pitch could prove invaluable.
Endo’s introduction to the Liverpool setup has been swift, with him earning his debut minutes in a situation that demanded quick adaptation. Introduced shortly after Mac Allister’s red card, Endo showed his mettle in the limited time he spent on the pitch.
His performance showcased his willingness to contribute to the team’s cause and adapt to unfamiliar circumstances – a quality that bodes well for his integration into Jurgen Klopp’s system.
Klopp’s satisfaction with securing the signing of Endo was evident, underscoring the manager’s long-standing interest in the player.
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The meticulous eye Klopp kept on Endo over time suggests that the Japanese midfielder’s qualities align with Liverpool’s tactical and strategic requirements.
