Not particularly flashy and not receiving overly high expectations, but Wataru Endo is an indispensable name for Liverpool this season.

Recall last summer’s transfer window, Jurgen Klopp decided to bring in a relatively unknown player, Wataru Endo, the captain of VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga, just a few days after the Merseyside Reds failed to persuade Moises Caicedo to join Anfield.

Klopp later admitted that the Japanese international was actually the player he valued more highly and genuinely desired to have his services. Until now, the assertions of the German strategist seem to be true, as Endo is playing very well.

1. Wataru Endo’s excellence

At first, Klopp deployed Alexis Mac Allister in the role of a number 6 in front of the defense, but the Argentine star seemed unsuitable for this position. Later on, the former Brighton midfielder had to miss several matches due to injury, while Endo was inserted into that role, marking a turning point for both him and Liverpool.

The captain of the Japanese national team not only dominates in duels but also has the ability to control the pace of the game. Sharp passes, knowing when to hold onto the ball and when to commit tactical fouls are the most noticeable attributes of Wataru Endo.

Endo clinches the Carabao Cup title this season with Liverpool.

“His top-notch experience and talent in the defensive midfield position have helped Liverpool possess a balanced midfield. When Mac Allister returned, the World Cup champion was pushed higher up to fully focus on supporting the attack, because behind him, Endo acts as an impregnable shield.”

2. Endo’s problems

However, this is Endo’s first season in the Premier League, a famously grueling competition known for its physical demands and relentless schedule. It’s understandable that a 31-year-old defensive midfielder like him might run out of steam as the season enters its final stretch.

In the last 6 matches where Endo started for Liverpool, the team conceded 12 goals. It’s worth noting that Endo appears visibly fatigued during this period. Manchester United managed to outplay him several times in their FA Cup victory, similar situations occurred in both legs against Atalanta in the Europa League, and in the 0-1 defeat against Crystal Palace.

Endo is not at his peak physical condition in the final stages of the season.

Recently, in the away match against Fulham, this issue continued to be highlighted. When the team had possession, Endo operated efficiently, completing 91% of his passes and successfully dribbling 100% of the time. However, when the team lost possession, Endo did not succeed in any tackle and only won 3 out of 9 duels.

3. Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes’s plan

The pace and physical demands of Premier League matches in the latter stages of the season seem to be stretching Wataru Endo’s capabilities. This is certainly something that CEO Edwards and Football Director Hughes are aware of, and they need a sensible plan to address this issue in the upcoming transfer window.

While the focus for Liverpool besides selecting a head coach will be on the defense, they also need a broader view for the midfield, which underwent renovation last summer. Endo remains a good option for the upcoming season, but Liverpool needs an immediate backup plan for the Japanese midfielder and then a long-term pillar for the club.