Wataru Endō: Liverpool Time Coming To An End | OneFootball

Wataru Endō’s Future at Liverpool? A Sellable Asset?

The scenario that surrounds the short- and long-term future of the captain of Japan, Wataru Endō, remains a very interesting one when considering his club standing. Despite the apparent lack of on-ball finesse and instincts required to immerse into the ideologies of his new head coach, Arne Slot, recent matches have seen to former Bundesliga enforcer called upon, to add steel and solidity to the back end of winning encounters. This blunt instrument of destruction therefore holds a very important role within the squad, even if it is only to occupy a starting role in domestic cup competitions, as well as a safety net to games perched on a winning knife edge.

Should Wataru Endō Be Sold in January?

The former VfB Stuttgart skipper arrived on Merseyside in the summer of 2023 (for £15m) as a last-ditch alternate to those controversially not attained. I do not believe anyone (including himself), was ignorant to the fact that he was a third-choice option, signed only in the wake of the spectacular recruitment failures by the reds former Sporting Director, Jörg Schmadtke. Moisés Caicedo and Roméo Lavia were the respective first choices in that final summer transfer window, overseen by the former manager, Jürgen Klopp, which he authorized through his interim executive.

In response to Chelsea’s ability to attract the Anfield giants first and second choice holding midfielders, there was a subsequent decision to sign the experienced holding midfielder, Endō, alongside the Dutch prodigy, Ryan Gravenberch. The choice to add the veteran 2019 Asia Cup runner-up was a sound one, as he performed admirably during his 42-appearances for the reds last season. This year, however, the gumshield toting specialist has amassed just 166-minutes across eight games, as an asset used sparingly by his club boss.

As stated above, there is absolutely a need for his bespoke skillet, though the long-term future still very much points to a replacement being sought. Under the leadership of the new Sporting CEO, Michael Edwards, as well as his Sporting Director, Richard Hughes, there was again a high-profile failure to land the long-awaited successor to LFC legend, Fabinho. The name of Martín Zubimendi was the next star that did not arrive, creating the reactionary need to retain the services of Liverpool’s 31–year-old international, Wataru Endō. I would have little issue in seeing the 65-cap Japan skipper remain on Merseyside (until the summer), unless a ferocious young replacement could be attained in January. The current roster of midfielders is deep enough to continue through this so far successful term; however, the injection of vibrant brilliance could tip the balance between a winning and losing campaign.

Photo: IMAGO

In Ryan Gravenberch there has been a wondrous uplift in performance and off-ball capabilities, which was not always apparent under the previous regime. The former Ajax academy graduates’ position at the base of the midfield is currently flourishing due to a controlling entity commonly sat beside him. As either Alexis Mac Allister or Curtis Jones conduct business beside the 6ft 3inch player, it is allowing the no.10 (routinely Dominik Szoboszlai) to press and support those ahead and behind him. The tactical approach in this new era has worked exceptionally well thus far and shows the pedigree of the man in charge. This endeavour has allowed the reds to push their way to the summit of both the Premier League and Champions League tables, which makes a major mid-season alteration (to the squad) less appealing than in the warmer months.

Who Could Replace Wataru Endō…?

There are only three names that jump to the forefront of my thinking when considering immediate replacements. Martín Zubimendi is the refined and highly technical deep lying playmaker, Aurélien Tchouaméni is the all-round powerhouse, whereas Carlos Noom Quomah Baleba could become the world’s best holding midfielder.

If any of those three targets could be attained in the new year, it would lead to the sale of Liverpool’s current asset, Wataru Endō, however, another failure to land a top target should see the vital component remain on Merseyside for the season.