For all of Liverpool’s lack of quality this season, it has been a void in ‘fighting spirit’ that has truly cost them.
On their day, the Reds still have players as good as any team in Europe, but as Saturday’s dismal defeat against Manchester City perfectly demonstrated, Arne Slot’s team just do not have any mettle.
Though his importance has waned over the past two seasons, mettle is one thing Wataru Endo possesses in spades, and there is a strong argument that the Japanese would be a shoo-in if he were fit. So, why is nobody talking about it?
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Manchester City v Liverpool - Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Endo would be a starter for Liverpool right now
Since taking over at Liverpool, Slot has made it very clear that Endo does not figure in his plans as a regular – or even occasional – starter.
Nevertheless, his team completely lack backbone. They are soft and easy to run through, and those are two things which can never be levelled at the Reds’ No. 3.
Willing to put his body on the line whenever needed, Endo has given it everything in each of his 87 appearances for Liverpool. He is exactly the kind of player Slot could do with right now.
Injuries to Alexander Isak, Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley and Alisson have been much more regularly cited as reasons behind Liverpool’s self-destruction this season, but having played only 12 times, Endo’s absence has been just as keenly felt.
Liverpool's Wataru Endo battles with Nilson Angulo of Sunderland for the ball during the Premier League match at the Stadium of Light
Photo by Michael Driver/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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The 33-year-old memorably delivered a great moment against Wednesday’s opponents, PSG, last season, steaming through Joao Neves with a full-blooded tackle to prevent a counterattack and protect Liverpool’s lead late on.
If the French side set up a similar scenario at the Parc des Princes this time, can anybody seriously say they’d back any of Slot’s current options to do something similar?
Liverpool should not sell Endo this summer
As he looks unlikely to be fit again this season, there is a real possibility that Endo has played his last game for Liverpool.
Having been basically frozen out for the past two seasons, the Japanese will likely be keen to go and finally become important again elsewhere. Few could begrudge him that.
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Liverpool players during loss to Man City
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
However, Liverpool are walking into a leadership problem this summer, with Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah certain to depart, and others potentially following.
Given his status as captain of the Japan national team, as well as his tendency to fight tooth and nail for the cause, Liverpool really should think about keeping Endo around.
The best argument for that will likely be if Slot ends up losing his job. Under a different manager who is more willing to count on him, Endo can become a more regular contributor once again.
As they’ve proven this season, they really do miss the No. 3 when he isn’t around. The Reds need someone to show them the way back to form, and while he may not be the best player in the Liverpool squad, Endo is certainly the biggest example of just how far commitment and effort can take you. Liverpool miss him, and I hope he knows it.
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