Liverpool snuck through a dangerous game against Southampton to book their place in the Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday.
As a result of injuries and a busy Premier League schedule, the Reds were always going to rotate heavily on the South Coast.
In the end, Arne Slot made eight changes to his Liverpool starting XI, with only Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez and Cody Gakpo staying in the team.
The inclusion of Alexander-Arnold was perhaps a surprise, but with limited options at right-back, Slot clearly felt the Liverpool academy graduate had to play a part.
With Virgil van Dijk left out of the matchday squad altogether, Alexander-Arnold was given the captain’s armband in the Carabao Cup.
Slot wisely took Trent off at half-time, though, with another player to have previously worn the armband – Joe Gomez – subbed at the same time, too. So, with his two most clear options off the pitch, Slot – or perhaps Sipke Hulshoff – had a decision to make.
Wataru Endo of Liverpool reacts while holding his shoulder during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary'...
Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images
Wataru Endo given captain’s armband
Liverpool’s line-up for the second-half against Southampton was about as makeshift as you’re likely to see this season.
The most experienced player in terms of appearances for the Reds was Harvey Elliott, with 124.
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But with Elliott still a youngster himself, he was never really likely to be tasked with the responsibility of leading the team.
Luckily, despite the cobbled together feeling of the team, Liverpool could still count on having an international captain on the pitch.
READ MORE: Liverpool have done something for the first time in 28 years after Carabao Cup win vs Southampton
And so, it made perfect natural sense to hand the armband to Japan skipper Wataru Endo.
Having played out the full 90 minutes, Endo proudly wore the Liverpool captaincy for the very first time since his move in 2023. A great moment.
Wataru Endo still has a part to play
Although Slot was not keen on Endo after first arriving at the club, the 31-year-old has still played an important part in the Liverpool squad this season.
When needed, Endo has stepped up and is yet to let the Reds down.
Tackles Won Blocks Clearances Ground Duels Won Aerial Duels Won Interceptions
Wataru Endo vs Southampton 4/4 1 2 8/8 3/5 2
On Wednesday, the former Stuttgart man showed his versatility by performing a hybrid centre-back, central midfield role.
And while this may not be his favourite job to do, Endo deserves enormous praise for sticking to his task and leading a young Liverpool team to another semi-final.
Endo was ‘unbelievable’ at times last season, including during last February’s Carabao Cup final win. Should the Reds go all the way again, he’ll have been vital to that once more.
Wearing the armband is just another little moment of celebration for a player who has become a real cult hero since his arrival.
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