The past week has been a tough period for Liverpool as they saw both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia opt for a move to Chelsea instead of a summer switch to Anfield. With a defensive midfielder desperately needed, Jurgen Klopp has turned to Japanese and Stuttgart captain, Wataru Endo.
The 30-year-old is an experienced, versatile footballer and being captain at both club and international levels should replace some of the leadership qualities Jordan Henderson vacated.
Having completed a medical, the Reds should shortly announce their third signing of the summer.
On this week’s Transfer Insight show, Dan Clubbe spoke with Opta Analyst and German football expert, Lewis Ambrose, to discuss the type of player Endo is alongside the possible benefits he could bring to Liverpool.
‘He Never Stops!’ | Bundesliga Commentator On Liverpool Bound Wataru Endo
Lewis said: “Endo just fits in at Liverpool for me, he wants to defend on the front foot. He won’t dive into tackles recklessly, he’ll put his foot in and put his head in; he will make challenges and cover ground. I think the way Jurgen Klopp has Liverpool play, having that defensive midfielder who sort of slots and fills gaps where others go pressing or go on a run is probably what you are looking for more than anything else.
“I can see how this transfer has happened because I feel like you’re looking at a not as good not as rounded as Moises Caicedo. The way he ferries himself about and gets stuck in but then when he gets the ball he’s looking forward as well. I think he is excellent but obviously, if he was that good he wouldn’t still be playing for Stuggart. I think it is a watered-down version of that sort of player, he will get on the ball, he’ll ping it forward, he will look to break lines and when it’s lost he will sort of race into challenges and plug-in gaps. I don’t think this is a shot in the dark from Liverpool, I can easily see how they have landed on Endo.”
All You Need To Know About Liverpool Transfer Target Wataru Endo! | The Deep Dive
Redmen Reacts
Although it isn’t Caicedo or Lavia, Endo could turn out to be an astute signing by Klopp. His experience and leadership skills will help replace the hole left by Henderson and his defensive stats speak for themselves. His versatility will give Klopp options. The Japan captain can play at centre-back, right-back and in midfield.
However, he must be the first of another defensive midfielder brought in. It would be unfair to put Endo in such a position and would only harm Liverpool’s chances this season. With further links to Cheik Doucoure today, it is clear The Reds need to bring in further new faces.
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