Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo revealed the key instruction that Arne Slot gave him before the critical Man-of-the-Match cameo against Wolves. The 31-year-old has played a utility role for Liverpool this season under Slot with Ryan Gravenberch playing ahead of him.
Nevertheless, Endo has continued to deliver critical performances whenever Slot required his services, showcasing incredible professionalism, leadership, humility and determination. The Japan captain has established himself as a fan favourite since joining Liverpool during the midfield revamp of 2024 summer.
Legendary former manager Jurgen Klopp surprisingly signed Endo after failing to acquire a high-profile defensive midfielder to replace out-going Fabinho. The 31-year-old used some time to adjust to the pace of the Premier League and then proved his naysayers wrong.
Endo lacked the reputation of a defensive midfielder that Liverpool fans are accustomed to being linked with. Nevertheless, his incredible performances and attitude have won many hearts, proving that reputation doesn’t always tell the whole story.
Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com, Endo highlighted the key instruction that Slot provided him before the eventual substitution. He said:
“Defensively their No.10 [Cunha] is a good player, so normally I take him man-v-man. Defensively I have to go everywhere and cover him all over the pitch.”
Slot has earned praise for making astute observations and changing the game with impeccably timed substitutions throughout this season. Matheus Cunha continuously threatened Liverpool and scored a goal in the 67th minute of the game.
In the 71st minute, Slot brought Endo on for Luis Diaz to negate the threat of Cunha that had Liverpool rattled. Liverpool fans voted Endo as the Carlsberg Player of the Match for his crucial cameo that secured the three points.
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The 31-year-old’s late defensive action to shield the ball and earn a foul received massive applause from the Anfield crowd. Liverpool will need Endo’s service constantly until the Premier League is done and dusted as the pressure will escalate.
The Reds will face Aston Villa next at Villa Park in the Premier League clash with Arsenal still seven points behind them.
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