Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
Wataru Endo made his first Premier League start of the season against Sunderland, and Steven Gerrard’s pre-match comments were spot on.
Despite Liverpool’s struggles in relation to seeing out games, Arne Slot hasn’t called upon Endo much this season.
For whatever reason, the Japanese star has warmed the bench for much of the manager’s tenure at Anfield.
But until Jeremie Frimpong returns from injury, the opportunity is there for Endo to put some minutes in his legs.
Liverpool vs Sunderland
Liverpool vs Sunderland
He was given the nod for this tough away trip, proving Gerrard’s assessment correct.
Steven Gerrard will be happy with Wataru Endo’s performance
Gerrard had no fears about Endo covering at right-back, and the first half against Sunderland was evidence to that fact.
Before the game, he told TNT Sports: “Endo does not worry me [at full-back]. Is he capable? Yes, of course he is. Is it his best position? No. Has he got limitations there? Yes. He will be asked a couple of questions tonight.”
An honest answer. Endo has not been a cause for concern at all, and while he doesn’t offer the same as a traditional full-back in possession, he is capable of holding his own.
One critique you could have of him was in the final third, a shot was there to be taken when it fell to him in the box, and his crosses weren’t causing danger. He’s not a wide player.
Wataru Endo pictured holding the Premier League title.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Overall though, a solid performance.
Slot spoke about his decision to start Endo before the game, also with TNT Sports.
He said: “It’s not the first time Wata is playing at right full back. We struggled in that position a lot, not because we don’t have one, but because the two we do have are injured. Joe Gomez has mainly not been there when they have been out.”
Poor Calvin Ramsay may as well not exist…
An Endo decision needs to be made at the end of the season
The 33-year-old has just shy of 18 months left on his Liverpool contract.
That means this summer is the last chance for FSG to get a fee for him.
It would hardly be a king’s ransom for a player entering the twilight of his career, which begs the question: Would Liverpool be better off holding onto him?
Thomas Frank
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Minutes are few and far between, and that is unlikely to change, but a player like Endo is a benefit to any squad. When there are multiple absences, Slot often has to fill the bench with teenagers. Letting go of an experienced head for a nominal fee just feels silly.
Keep him around for another season!