The contract named Wataru Endo didn’t excite Liverpool fans, but this Japanese midfielder is becoming an important factor for Jurgen Klopp.

Jurgen Klopp is extremely pleased with Endo’s performances at Liverpool.

Nearly 6 years since first setting foot in Europe to play, Wataru Endo is becoming an integral part of Liverpool. In fact, Jurgen Klopp has lavished praise on the Japanese midfielder after the FA Cup final.

“I’ve said it many times before. Liverpool is fortunate to have signed Endo. I’m quite confident that within 3 or 4 years, he will sign another long-term contract at Liverpool. Endo may be approaching 30 or 31, but he still plays like a machine,” the German strategist said.

At 31, Endo wasn’t the signing many Liverpool fans expected at the end of last summer’s transfer window. Therefore, despite Endo’s excellent performances at Stuttgart, it’s understandable that the surprise at his impact at Anfield exists. It’s a team that only just avoided relegation last season. In contrast, Liverpool is a team with higher ambitions but is currently showing vulnerabilities in midfield.

When Endo played for Stuttgart in the Bundesliga…

The departures of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, along with Thiago’s injury issues, have made the situation even more urgent for Klopp. However, it’s precisely this difficult situation that has led to Liverpool securing a successful signing beyond expectations. Endo, alongside Liverpool, won the Carabao Cup and is now a key figure as they pursue even higher honors.

Dominik Szoboszlai, another standout newcomer for Liverpool this season, asserts that Endo is always present all over the pitch. “It feels like you walk past Endo and then look back, and he’s already there,” Szoboszlai shared.

Meanwhile, Klopp describes Endo as a “machine” – “He’s one of the hardest-working individuals I’ve ever encountered.”

According to Klopp, Endo’s success doesn’t just come from effort. “His defensive brain is outstanding. His presence in midfield has changed the dynamics. He brings something different to the team, we have to say that clearly. Endo is the one who does the dirty work,” Klopp said.

Especially, Alexis MacAllister has benefited greatly whenever the Japanese midfielder is on the field. With a solid shield behind him, the 2022 World Cup champion can comfortably surge forward to support attacks, apply pressure, and score goals.

Endo didn’t perform well in the dramatic FA Cup quarter-final loss to Manchester United, but part of the reason stems from Liverpool’s congested schedule. Nevertheless, the statistics still show the impact of this midfielder on The Kop.

Endo didn’t feel overwhelmed at all when he moved to Liverpool.

In the Premier League this season, whenever Endo is on the field, Liverpool often boasts an impressive defensive record. It’s not a random coincidence, as Issame Charai, Endo’s former coach at Sint-Truiden, pointed out: “His greatest quality is bringing balance to the team.”

Charai further stated: “Endo is a player who reads the game very well. He always thinks about what to do when his team loses possession. He likes to play one or two touches, so he doesn’t complicate the game too much. He’s also very strong mentally.”

It’s not an exaggeration to say that Endo is the “last bargain” Klopp left for Liverpool this season. With just £16 million, the German coach has brought in a solution to Liverpool’s midfield issues.