Those are good numbers for a 6 with the exception of the 3/9 stat, but that’s probably misleading. What I like about him in the video compilation is that while he may not win every tackle, he always disrupts the opponent enough to slow them down, usually allowing a teammate to sweep in and tidy up. That’s a real 6, he’s a real player and he’s a very useful addition to the team.
1717820466700620255 is not a valid tweet id Great performance whatever the opponent. I counted only two sideways passes.
Out of midfielders to have played more than 350 minutes in the Premier League this campaign, Endo has averaged the most interceptions per 90 (6.92). https://anfieldwatch.co.uk/impressive-stat-highlights-big-wataru-endo-impact-at-liverpool/
I do think he's an automatic yellow card every game- much like Milner. And the way he crashes to the ground to sometimes make tackles worries me of an impending red. But I do like him.
Jordan Chamberlain, Empire of the Kop, external Wataru Endo has been Liverpool's most impressive summer signing, overall. Better than Dom Szoboszlai, who was being compared with Steven Gerrard early on. Better than World Cup winning Alexis Mac Allister and far, far more effective than prodigal Ryan Gravenberch. The players mentioned are more talented than the Japanese 30-year-old. They are technically sharper, more physically gifted and look smoother in possession - but none have outperformed Endo. Against Newcastle United in the exceptional 4-2 victory, Endo was again outstanding. He creates the platform from which the two no.8s either side of him can surge forward. He passes the ball simply but quickly, ticking us over centrally like a metronome. And perhaps most importantly, he makes countless tackles and interceptions from smart positioning and brave defensive actions. It was telling against Newcastle as so often he won the ball back and instead of looking for an adventurous pass, just gave it to Trent Alexander-Arnold alongside him. Endo understands his capabilities and there is no ego to his play. Liverpool won't miss him as much as we'll miss Mo Salah, but his month-long absence at the Asia Cup will be felt.
He was the captain of Stuttgart (yes?) before he came to us. Compared to Liverpool, Stuttgart are not a European power or royalty, so while they were happy to see him make the jump up, there was sadness to see him leave. I remember reading at the time that the fans were very upset, as were off the record club personnel. Not upset angry, upset disappointed or resigned. I thought then, “well, he’s made a good impression, but will he do the same at Liverpool? Probably not, better quality league, bigger club, greater expectations”. How wrong I was. I now understand why Stuttgart, club and fans were so upset. He really is that good. Consistent and a metronome in midfield. He does all the hard things well and the easy things simply, all with no fuss. His job is not the TAA 60 meter cross field pass onto Jota’s toe or the dribble down the left wing. His job is the simple out ball to Szoboszlai or Jones or whoever is within 5 meters of him. He has also taken over the Fabinho role of taking the ball from Alisson and rarely if ever dives in on defensive tackles, quite often confident enough to know that just by slowing down the opposition, the defense has a chance to redraw. The other thing I notice he likes to do, or does do well (probably Klopp’s decision) is that as the attack progresses upfield, he moves the midfield line forward, inching forward, playing predominated passes. Best signing of the summer? There’s a very good case to be made.
Damned autocorrect. The end to that penultimate sentence should read “…he moves the midfield line forward, inching forward, playing predominately forward passes.”
Early on, his biggest weakness was getting caught dawdling on the ball in possession. Seems to be fixed now.
his tackles are a reminder of "how football used to be played" great timing, goes in hard as hell, makes you wince and leaves the oppo man stunned. love it.
Jurgen Klopp gushes over bargain Wataru Endo as stats show how he outperformed Chelsea's £220m midfield pair (talksport.com) My MOTM today.
Absolutely Agreed!! VVD and Diaz and Kelleher and Konate the Beast were all incredible, but Endo gets the award. What a player! Steve McMahon Vol II ....
Endo is a GOD! If you told me right now to paint an imaginary figure of what God would look like, it's Endo!!!!
My man! A great way to spend 15m. If we get another season like this out of him he'll be seen as nothing but a roaring success. After Rodri, is there a DM who has had a better season this year?