Liverpool academy coach Jay Spearing has hailed Wataru Endo as a signing ‘worth his weight in gold,’ though the glowing verdict comes after the midfielder suffered an injury blow.
Endo featured for the Reds in the 1-0 win over Sunderland on February 11, where he filled the void at right-back due to injury and suspension issues.
However, the victory was marred by scenes of the 33-year-old being stretchered off at the Stadium of Light.
Speaking live to TNT Sports post-match, Arne Slot admitted he expects the Japan international to be out for a ‘long, long time’.
Debate: Wataru Endo will leave a bigger legacy at Liverpool than Javier Mascherano
The Japanese may have played his last game for the Reds 😥
Liverpool's Wataru Endo pictured during the Premier League match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (Credit: Getty Images/Crystal Pix/MB Media).
Javier Mascherano sits on the pitch during Liverpool's Premier League match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (Credit: GLYN KIRK/AFP
Credit: Photo Credit: Getty Images/Crystal Pix/MB Media/Glyn Kirk/AFP
What Jay Spearing said about Wataru Endo
Endo arrived at Anfield from Stuttgart in 2023 for a fee the BBC reported to be £16.2m.
He’s been in and out of the team since but has proven a useful squad player over the last few years.
Now, speaking on The Official Liverpool FC Podcast, he said: “People questioned the price tag as well, didn’t they?
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“Everyone questioned, why have we spent that on someone like Wataru Endo? But he’s been worth his weight in gold.
“He’s probably worth a hell of a lot more than that to Liverpool fans and Liverpool players now for what he’s done.
“And, you know, it shows, like you say, it epitomises what he is. You know, he could have, fingers crossed, it’s not a bad injury, but it didn’t look too great.”
Who was Liverpool’s best player in the excellent win over Sunderland, and why?
What a win!
Liverpool players celebrate goal against Sunderland
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Why Wataru Endo will be a miss for Liverpool during key period
Losing Endo is a big blow for Liverpool that comes during a crucial point in the season when they are battling Manchester United and Chelsea for a Champions League place.
As the Reds prepare for Brighton, the lack of a similar utility player could become an issue if there are any more concerns in the lead-up to Saturday.
Joe Gomez returned to the squad against the Black Cats, but his constant injury issues could mean starting him in the FA Cup is risky.
Szoboszlai is another option now that he’s back from his ban, but his inclusion in the backline would mean Slot can’t then rest a player like Florian Wirtz or Cody Gakpo.
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