Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo has made a surprising appeal to new manager Arne Slot, urging him to sign another No.6 midfielder, less than a year ago, Jurgen Klopp brought him in to play that very role.
The 31-year-old Japan international joined Liverpool from VfB Stuttgart last summer in a £16.2 million deal, after the club failed to secure Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia. Endo has since made 43 appearances and received praise for his performances in the Premier League. Nevertheless, he believes Liverpool should strengthen their midfield by acquiring another defensive midfielder, even if it affects his own playing time.
Speaking to ABEMA Sports Time, as reported by MSN, Endo said, “I don’t care about those reports, but I also think it would be better to get the number six midfielder. I think there is a possibility that they are viewing a number 10 player [Alexis] Mac Allister as a number six/anchor, but at the moment there aren’t many number six players to begin with.”
Endo highlighted the current options at Liverpool, noting, “I had the most opportunities to play, and so did Mac Allister. We also had Thiago Alcantara, but he had a lot of injuries and is set to leave the club at the end of this season. We also have [Stefan Bajcetic] but it’s still unclear as to whether he will be able to contribute immediately.”
Acknowledging his own age and the need for competition, Endo added, “Considering my age, I think it might be okay for me to get the number six. But if it ultimately makes the team stronger then I’m all for it, because there will be competition and I just have to win my position again. “I’m not really worried about it, and in fact, I think winning might be okay.”
There is an expectation that Liverpool will be active in the transfer market this summer, with several players linked to the club, including Joshua Kimmich and Adrien Rabiot. While no imminent deals have surfaced, manager Arne Slot has been in regular contact with new sporting director Richard Hughes regarding preparations for the upcoming season.
Slot recently told Liverpoolfc.com, “I think now is a good moment to arrive here and talk to you, but let’s be clear: I don’t start today, I’ve been in a lot of contact with staff members already – from people who are working here to the new staff members that are coming in – and, of course, almost every day Richard [Hughes] and me are calling each other because we have to talk. This is also a very important phase for the new season, to make sure the team is ready, and we have to play in the pre-season.”
Endo’s unexpected request underscores his commitment to the team’s success, even at the potential expense of his own playing time, as Liverpool looks to reinforce their squad for the new season.
