Tag: Wataru Endō

Arne Slot will surely be pleased with his first experience in the FA Cup, especially after avoiding what could have been a historic giant killing. Liverpool manager’s main focus heading into the weekend was securing the win, and emerging with a convincing 4-0 scoreline was an added bonus. Beyond the result, avoiding injuries—especially after their midweek Carabao Cup clash against Tottenham Hotspur—was another victory.

It’s worth noting that Andy Robertson hasn’t played since the draw with Manchester United, while Dominik Szoboszlai, though affected by illness, played 45 minutes, Luis Diaz saw just half an hour, and Alexis Mac Allister managed 80 minutes. These brief rests could prove crucial as Liverpool faces tough Premier League fixtures against Nottingham Forest and Brentford. In the absence of his regular starters, Slot turned to some of the squad’s fringe players, with mixed results.

For instance, Caoimhin Kelleher‘s appearance against Accrington was unlikely to reveal anything new, given the goalkeeper’s established reliability over 13 appearances this season. Conor Bradley similarly had little to prove, though his increased playing time will be useful for the busy weeks ahead.

On the left, Kostas Tsimikas, filling in for Robertson, didn’t do enough to challenge the Scotland international for the starting spot, offering two solid but unremarkable performances. This could highlight the potential need for further strengthening in that position during the summer.

In defense, Jarrell Quansah’s 120 minutes without major errors were a bonus as he aims to impress Slot. However, Wataru Endo overshadowed him at center-back, delivering strong performances against both Tottenham and Accrington. His tidy passing and excellent positional awareness may provide Slot with food for thought when considering his defensive options.

In midfield, Tyler Morton started against Accrington but didn’t do enough to change Slot‘s assessment of the 22-year-old. On the other hand, Szoboszlai’s quality was evident in his first-half performance in the FA Cup. With Curtis Jones’ recent struggles, Szoboszlai’s contribution served as a reminder of the quality Liverpool has in their No. 8. It was clear that Liverpool‘s attack functioned better with Szoboszlai on the pitch, as evidenced by their impressive performance in Tottenham’s 6-0 defeat compared to their blank showing without him.

Harvey Elliott was another player fans were eager to see, but his lack of minutes in the Carabao Cup raised some eyebrows. While his passing and ball retention against Accrington were solid, his performance didn’t stand out amid rumors of a potential January exit.

In attack, Darwin Núñez failed to score despite five shots, two big chances, and an expected goal tally of 0.81, which is concerning against a team languishing in 19th place in League Two. Though he created opportunities, Núñez’s ongoing inability to convert is becoming a growing issue. His struggles were highlighted by the impressive cameo from Jayden Danns, who scored a goal after linking well with teammates. Danns‘s performance may push Núñez for more competition in the forward line.

On a positive note, Federico Chiesa showed signs of his former self from his Juventus days, displaying an eagerness to score his first goal for Liverpool and build fitness. His 90-minute effort was capped with a goal in the 4-0 win, and Slot cautioned against getting too carried away with the performance. Nonetheless, it likely indicated that Chiesa is ready to contribute when called upon in more significant fixtures.

Rio Ngumoha, at just 16 years old, made his Liverpool debut and impressed Slot despite his raw and unpolished display. There is significant room for improvement, but the youngest-ever player to feature for Liverpool certainly showed promise.

This eight-day stretch has provided valuable insights for both Liverpool and Arne Slot, and the ripple effects of these performances are sure to be felt throughout the remainder of the campaign.

According to reports, Liverpool is apparently seeking a No. 6 target from outside the Premier League as they appear to be drawing nearer to making their first summer transfer window acquisition.

According to rumours, Liverpool is’moving ahead’ for a specialist No.6, which might mean the team is getting closer to making its first summer acquisition.

Liverpool has not added a new player to its roster with just over three weeks left in the transfer season. However, when the team returns from their US trip, Arne Slot will have his current group together for the first time.

While sporting director Richard Hughes had earlier in the summer expected that a flurry of acquisitions may emerge this month, Slot has suggested that new players could be on the way.

Presumably, the initial one is presently under development. The Athletic claims that Liverpool is currently pursuing a No. 6 specialist from outside the Premier League after identifying a target in that position.

Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch were all tested in preseason, so Slot has already given the position a try this summer. It appears that he has now concluded that some new blood is required.

No names are given, but it’s rumoured that Liverpool is going forward with a signing, indicating that a new player could not be joining the team for a while.

“The bar is really high for new signings because we have so many good players so it is not so easy to first find a player to meet those standards and then is he available?”

Slot remarked earlier this week in reference to the dearth of additions to date. “Then we have to find an agreement with them, so it is not always easy to find a player who can help us but Richard is working hard on it and let’s see what comes from this.”

Regarding the No. 6 spot in particular, Slot continued, “We have other choices as well, and I believe Ryan did extremely well in that position today.

“The best way to assess it is when every player returns, which we haven’t yet done. However, a team like Liverpool never stops looking for players who can bolster the roster, and that’s what Richard and I are primarily searching for, but we’re not limited to any one position.

“We constantly evaluate the squad where can we do something and what do we have.”

Liverpool.com states: Given that Endo doesn’t appear to be catching Slot’s attention this summer, there can’t be much doubt that Liverpool prioritises the No. 6 position. Hopefully, the identity of this mystery target won’t be revealed for very long.

Liverpool, who hopes to hang onto the defensive midfield player this summer, has turned down a bid for Wataru Endo from Marseille that was estimated to be worth £12 million.

There were questions raised when Liverpool paid £18 million to buy Wataru Endo from Stuttgart last summer because the 30-year-old player had no prior Premier League experience. After Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, it felt like a huge letdown that Endo was joining them as their third midfield addition, especially in light of links to players like Aurelien Tchouameni and Joao Palhinha.

Endo has certainly got the talent at his disposal from his three years as a star in the Bundesliga, but it remained to be seen if he could translate that into English football. But it’s reasonable to say that throughout his debut season at Anfield, the Japan international succeeded beyond most people’s expectations. He made 43 appearances across all competitions and established himself as an important player for Liverpool.

In reality, having been used for the entire 120 minutes, Endo was crucial to Liverpool’s victory over Chelsea in extra time at Wembley to win the Carabao Cup. Endo spent most of his first season playing as the deepest-lying midfielder, often making an impression with two more forward players front of him. Under Jurgen Klopp, he started the last four games and received a lot of praise from the German manager.

In spite of this, Endo’s future has been a major talking point lately. This is due to the Sunday reports that the Reds turned down a deal for Endo from Marseille that was estimated to be worth £12 million. With three years remaining on his deal, the midfielder is committed to the Reds, and Liverpool does not want to let go of a player who has grown to be a vital member of the team due to his skill in the defensive midfield position.

The Reds lack a lot of players who can fill that position; last season, Klopp occasionally used Mac Allister in that capacity. Meanwhile, Stefan Bajcetic is hoping to make a big comeback to his senior career after missing a lot of games due to a long-term injury. Because of this, there is no desire to let go of Endo, and it is unclear if Marseille—who are currently managed by former Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi—will make a move for a player who turned 31 in February.

The Reds should retain Endo at the team this summer after taking it into account along with a lot of other things. Arne Slot, the new manager, may find it essential to have an excellent ball-winning defensive midfielder, and Endo certainly fits the bill with his arsenal of skills. It also seems that the new manager is well aware of what the Japan international can bring.

Endo is probably going to be included in Liverpool’s starting lineup for their Premier League opener against Ipswich next month, as they haven’t made any major summer additions. On Friday, he started the 1-0 preseason victory over Real Betis but was substituted at the half.

Curtis Jones and Endo were paired as the double pivot, with Szoboszlai in front of them. The formation Slot will employ at Anfield is yet unknown, but it looks to be either a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3. Endo has the ability to be a significant player under Slot and can have an impact in any of those systems.

Endo should continue to be a valuable member of the team even if Liverpool decides to add another defensive midfielder during the summer window. This is especially true as the Reds get ready to play in the Champions League once more. Slot’s desire to hang onto Endo demonstrates his understanding of the value of having a strong defensive midfielder like Endo, even though the Reds anticipate greater interest in the midfielder.