Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai praises his teammate Wataru Endo while telling what it is like to play against him

Dominik Szoboszlai lauded the “ever-presence” of Liverpool teammate Wataru Endo while remembering what it is like to play against him. Endo and Szoboszlai played against each other during their time in the Bundesliga with Stuttgart and RB Leipzig respectively.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp revamped the squad in the summer and particularly targeted the midfield department to freshen things up. Numerous long-serving players departed the club after going past their peak years as new faces joined the club.

The Reds signed both Szoboszlai and Endo alongside Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister to reshape the midfield options. However, Endo’s signing happened after plenty of drama involving Liverpool and their rivals Chelsea over Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.

Chelsea signed both defensive midfielders Lavia and Caicedo after over-spending for the duo in salary and wages. Meanwhile, Liverpool put faith in their trusted scouts and despite Endo’s age and the necessity for a defensive midfielder, he arrived.

Many naysayers in social media and media questioned the Reds’ decision due to Endo’s age and obscure reputation. Nevertheless, the Japan captain has proven his doubters completely wrong by delivering consistent performances and becoming a key player. At the same time, Chelsea’s duo Caicedo and Lavia have been flop signings, struggling to justify their inflated prices.

Speaking in the pre-match press conference (h/t Liverpoolfc.com), Szoboszlai highlighted the presence of Endo in the field. He said:

“I played against him when he was at Stuttgart and he’s a player who is everywhere! It feels like you pass him and then you turn around and he is already there. So, I can understand how the people are thinking, ‘How is he there exactly when I just passed him?’ But I’m happy to have him in my team. It is not my decision to decide if he is a good signing or not. But, of course, he shows he is important for the team – this is the most important thing.”

Endo has been sensational for the Reds and he is currently the only specialist defensive midfielder at the club. The 31-year-old has built a formidable partnership alongside Mac Allister recently, playing in both double-pivot and single-pivot roles.

Meanwhile, Szoboszlai recently returned after rushing back from a hamstring injury sustained in January, which subsequently reoccurred. The Hungary captain has played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s success during the start of the season.

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Both Endo and Szoboszlai have become cult favourites after making a fantastic start to their Liverpool career. The Reds would be hoping to end the season with more trophies after securing the Carabao Cup.