Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo returns from international duty after a heartbreaking late goal eliminated Japan from the Asian Cup
Wataru Endo provides Liverpool with a major boost after Japan faced elimination due to a late goal against Iran. Japan lost 2-1 to Iran in the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup after conceding in the 96th minute.
Hidemasa Morita provided the opening goal for Japan in the 28th minute of the game. Iran fought back in the 55th minute with a goal from Mohammad Mohebi. The referee awarded Iran a penalty decision in the 96th minute, converted by Alireza Jahanbakshsh to give them the victory.
Endo completed the full game with the surprising loss certain to leave a bitter taste for the Japan captain. However, the 30-year-old needs to shift his focus back to the club competition as Liverpool have everything to play for.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp revamped the midfield during the summer but only signed Endo as the specialist defensive midfielder. The 56-year-old used Alexis Mac Allister in the position until the Japan captain adjusted to the intensity of the league.
The 30-year-old faced a lot of scepticism at the time he signed due to his obscure reputation and his age. He played a crucial role in Liverpool’s success in the first half, climbing to the top of the Premier League. Furthermore, the Reds have successfully progressed in every cup competition in an attempt to win every trophy.
Klopp once again deployed Mac Allister as the defensive midfield during the absence of Endo. The Argentine has delivered incredible and consistent performances in the role, adapting comfortably to the new position.
Vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold has also featured as a number-six whenever Klopp deployed other options at the right-back position. The versatility and cohesiveness of the squad have played a big role in the Red’s success this season.
Wataru Endo in December
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Liverpoolfc.com reported Japan’s elimination from the Asian Cup, implying Endo’s immediate return to Anfield. However, he would be ineligible to play against Arsenal in the Premier League clash on Sunday. The Japan captain would be eligible to play when Burnley plays the Reds at Anfield next Saturday.
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With the fixtures increasing due to the ambition of taking every trophy seriously, Endo’s return is a welcoming sight. Liverpool fans would hope that the Japan international can put his international heartbreak aside to focus on winning with the club.
