The Athletic journalist Andy Jones believes Wataru Endo is not a part of the plans at Liverpool under Arne Slot. Endo played a crucial role under Jurgen Klopp last season after the club surprisingly signed him despite his obscure reputation.

The Japan captain immediately proved to his sceptics that he belonged at the top level with his robust consistent performances. However, Endo remains a stopgap signing at the club due to his age and limitations as a defensive midfield player.

Under Klopp, Endo thrived as Liverpool played a more direct football that left a lot of spaces, requiring his speciality. However, Slot plays a different tactic that focuses on efficiency and calmness instead of a continuous direct approach to attack.

The new style of play allows the team to maintain their structure and narrow the spaces when they lose possession. The style has significantly shifted Liverpool’s preferred profile for a defensive midfielder which allowed Ryan Gravenberch the opportunity to thrive.

Speaking on The Athletic’s Walk On podcast, Jones claimed that early sign proves Endo is not in Liverpool’s future plan. He said:

“I think we’ve seen in pre-season, and Slot’s lack of usage of him – and the fact that ultimately, Liverpool decided to recruit a number six as well – that he doesn’t appear to be part of Liverpool’s long-term plans. I think in terms of this year, now that you’ve got him, I think that role of maybe not starting games but to do sort of the final 20 minutes, the final 15 minutes of a game when hopefully Liverpool are quite comfortable to be able to bring him on and shore things up. He can keep the ball ticking, he can do the simple stuff, he just isn’t really that progressive passer. That’s the problem.”

Endo lacks the mobility and progressive mindset that Slot wants in his number six alongside fulfilling all the defensive duties. Endo is a fan favourite and remains a humble, hard-working player with a lot to contribute this season.

However, Liverpool could sign a new number six in January or during the next summer to compete with Gravenberch. The Reds could return for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi after their dreadful start to the season.

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Furthermore, media reports state that Zubimendi regrets not joining Liverpool during the summer after Sociedad failed to offer him a new lucrative contract. Concerning Endo, whatever happens, Liverpool fans will always adore the Japan captain for the impact he made in a short time.