Wataru Endo has said he is happy to be used at centre-back for Liverpool, outlining his team ethic by adding that he will play anywhere.
The Japanese has become a cult hero during his two-year stay at Anfield, often producing influential cameos from the bench.
While Endo is known most for operating as a No. 6, his versatility allows him to do a job at centre-back, with Jarell Quansah‘s move to Bayer Leverkusen leaving Liverpool light in that area.
Speaking to Liverpool’s official magazine, the 32-year-old said he is willing to play at centre-back, also discussing adapting to Arne Slot‘s style of play after a conversation last summer.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, April 27, 2025: Liverpool's Wataru Endo during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 5-1 and became League Champions. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“I met with Arne to try to get how he wants to play, to understand what his tactics are,” Endo said.
“That’s what I tried to adapt to in the training camp in pre-season because everyone needed to adapt to his football.
“We tried to do that last season and it worked very well because we won the Premier League. When I spoke with Arne I said I don’t mind where I play.
“I can play as a six, at right-back or at centre-back – I don’t mind and I will just always give 100 per cent to the team.
“I used to play centre-back when I was in Japan so I don’t mind where I play for Liverpool.”
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, March 16, 2025: Liverpool's Wataru Endo during the pre-match warm-up before the Football League Cup Final match between Liverpool FC and Newcastle United FC at Wembley Stadium. Newcastle United won 2-1. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Propaganda)
Endo also spoke about his relationship with Liverpool supporters, having become an unlikely fan favourite since arriving from VfB Stuttgart in 2023.
“When the Liverpool fans sing my name it is an amazing feeling for me,” he added.
“I already had my song and the fans are always singing my song in the last 15 minutes or whatever, especially when we are winning, and that is an amazing feeling.
“I feel like they really try to support me.”
Endo is an invaluable squad player for Slot, with his experience so useful on and off the pitch, as well as his ability to shine in several roles.
While having him as a centre-back option is helpful, Liverpool still need to sign an out-and-out central defender as well.
Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi continues to be linked with a move, and he could be ideal, making Endo fifth-choice behind him, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez.