The absence of Wataru Endo might cause Liverpool trouble in January
When Liverpool secured the services of Wataru Endo for a modest fee from Stuttgart, the move raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike. The summer transfer window was rife with speculation about big-money defensive midfield targets like Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, and the relatively low-key acquisition of Endo faced criticism for not addressing the perceived need for a “world-class” figure in the middle of the park.
As Endo donned the iconic red jersey and stepped onto the Anfield turf, scepticism lingered. Initial performances did little to silence the doubters, and the Japanese midfielder found himself under the microscope. However, Liverpool, renowned for their knack for developing talent and allowing players to settle into their roles, took a patient approach with Endo.
As time unfolded, Wataru Endo began to defy expectations and prove his worth. Far from being a mere squad player, he emerged as one of Liverpool’s standout performers. This transformation was acknowledged when he clinched the December Player of the Month award.
End(o) to our positive run?
However, as the saying goes, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” Endo’s stellar performances earned him a call-up to captain his national team, Japan, in the AFC Asian Cup. While this is undoubtedly an honor for the midfielder, Liverpool now face the daunting task of navigating their midfield challenges in his absence.
The statistics from Opta Analyst speak volumes about Endo’s significance to Liverpool’s success this season. The Reds boast a remarkable 73.3% win rate in the Premier League when he features, dropping significantly to 40% without him on the pitch. The disparity extends beyond mere victories, with Liverpool averaging 2.4 points per game when Endo is in the lineup, compared to 1.8 points per game in his absence.
The midfield dynamics at Liverpool have undergone a positive transformation with Endo’s calming influence and ability to shield the defence. His positional awareness, ball-winning capabilities, and efficient distribution alongside Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones have added a layer of stability that was arguably missing in the earlier stages of the season.
We can also draw comparisons between Liverpool’s need for a midfield anchor and the impending absence of Mohamed Salah, on AFCON duties with Egypt. While Salah’s contributions in attack are irreplaceable, the void left by Endo in the heart of the midfield may present an even more complex puzzle for Jurgen Klopp to solve.
The challenge for Liverpool is twofold: maintaining defensive solidity and ensuring smooth transitions from defence to attack in Endo’s absence. The January transfer window becomes a crucial juncture for the club to assess potential recruits who can seamlessly step into the role and provide the necessary cover.
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The coming weeks will test the depth and adaptability of Liverpool’s squad, shedding light on the club’s ability to navigate crucial fixtures without a player who has become an integral part of their success story this season. We surely need to sign a defensive midfielder. The impending return of Alexis Mac Allister from injury is a positive but we saw how he could not cope with playing in an unnatural position.
