WATARU ENDO ABSENCE MAY BENEFIT A YOUNG LIVERPOOL STAR

Wataru Endo’s winning streak is now coming to an end. Or at least for Liverpool. Endo will feature in the Asian Cup alongside his fellow internationals, but it will be disappointing to leave Liverpool after struggling to make the starting XI.

Endo has been in fine form for Liverpool in recent weeks and has earned the trust of Jurgen Klopp, becoming the first player for the German side to start five games in 13 days. In the big games against Manchester United and Arsenal, he provided stability in midfield and was one of the Reds’ best players. But now Liverpool will have to do without him. Good news

A number of key players are expected to return to Liverpool in January. Alexis McAllister is available and expected to fill the midfield role vacated by Endo. Meanwhile, Thiago Alcantara could also feature as he is expected to return to first team training.

These two will provide broad coverage in the absence of endo. But it would not be surprising if some young people were given the opportunity. Especially since Endo could miss nine games for Liverpool. Five more games are possible in the Premier League and four more in cup competitions.

Under the Radar Talent

Liverpool’s academy players have been very impressive in securing promotion to the first team this season. The standout performance came from Jarell Quanza, but Ben Doak, Kaide Gordon, Conor Bradley and Luke Chambers all impressed.

James McConnell is a player who rarely gets mentioned. The 19-year-old played around 20 minutes of football for Liverpool’s senior team. But at the same time he made his debut in Europe and the Premier League and performed brilliantly. He has also played in Jurgen Klopp’s last four Premier League sides.

Pre-season McConnell was one of the surprise names on Liverpool’s first pre-season tour last summer. He was only 18 at the time and was renowned for his academic versatility. However, he has yet to fully define his role. Things changed in the preseason. Due to Liverpool’s lack of depth, McConnell was at times the team’s second-choice midfielder and thus became a regular. With Trent Alexander-Arnold moving to right-back, McConnell took advantage and looked comfortable in that position. Klopp waxed lyrical about the youngster, describing him as “delighted to meet you” in the No. 6. In all, McConnell played 176 minutes in the preseason. He broke six of nine defensive tackles, completed 93 of 101 passes, had four interceptions and recovered 12 fumbles.

McConnell this season, finished sixth in the club’s U21 team. He stepped into a bigger role and captained the team on several occasions, including against League One in the EFL Trophy. In his new role, he has been one of the standout players for the U21s and the numbers bear that out. According to Premier League 2’s Wyscout, McConnell averaged the most tackles per 90 (9.34) of any player and also took part in the most defensive tackles per 90 (19.53) . In a match against Crystal Palace, McConnell won 17 tackles, made 11 interceptions and recovered 16 tackles.

McConnell is not alone among his colleagues. He also put in an impressive performance for Liverpool U21s in the EFL Trophy, helping the Reds get knocked out of the group stage for the first time. Not only is McConnell second in the league among midfielders in tackles per 90 (8.94), but he also has third in assists (10). effective on the ball
It’s important to note that he doesn’t just stand out on defense. McConnell is very efficient with the ball. Second in the Premier League, he is in the top 10 for final third passes (10.19 per 90).

Meanwhile, in Liverpool’s pre-season and competition matches, McConnell has a 90.7% success rate in a total of 107 attempts in 206 minutes. He averaged 6.55 progressive passes per 90 minutes, with 2.18 passes entering the penalty area.

And while preparing for the match against Liverpool, he recorded his second assist (pass before assist) on two goals (one goal against Karlsruhe, one goal against Darmstadt). Will I be promoted in January?
Without Endo, McConnell’s presence might have been greater. Even if Mac Allister and Thiago return at the end of January, the duo cannot be expected to play all nine possible games.

With Baycetic injured, McConnell is clearly next in line after McAllister and Thiago. He has been a member of the Liverpool squad since the match against Crystal Palace on 9 December. This means he will likely be called up in January. If so, he might want to grab the opportunity with both hands, just like Quanza did after Joel Matip’s injury.