Wataru Endo's Remarkable Journey: Discover how Stuttgart's Japanese Midfielder is Making Waves at Liverpool

Liverpool supporters may have had concerns about the circumstances surrounding the signing of Wataru Endo. The unsuccessful attempts to secure Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia have limited Jurgen Klopp's midfield options, and turning to the 30-year-old Endo may appear to be a move born out of desperation.

Unlike the aforementioned players, Endo is not a young talent who can generate excitement. However, considering the departures of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, and James Milner, this acquisition could be regarded as one of Liverpool's shrewder business moves.

'He is a really great player'

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He is an accomplished player, determined to seize this opportunity. He excels in the holding role and can contribute effectively to both the defensive and offensive aspects of the game. There is absolutely no doubt about his character - just ask those who know him.

'He is a really great player'

It was the final question posed to Bundesliga legend Mario Gomez during his interview with a group of international journalists at the Allianz Arena on Saturday evening. Japanese reporter Daisuke Ishii inquired about Endo, a former teammate of the renowned striker at Stuttgart.

Gomez had covered a range of topics, including Germany's problems and his own Spanish roots, but his face brightened as soon as Endo was mentioned. "To be honest, I have a great fondness for Wataru." It was Gomez who had advocated for Endo's inclusion when both players found themselves excluded from the team.

"While we were in the dressing room, Wataru sat beside me and struggled because the coach wasn't giving him any opportunities initially." By 2020, Gomez was in the final season of his career and had embraced his role as a mentor to the team. "I found satisfaction in fulfilling this role."

Endo, at the peak of his abilities, experienced heightened frustration. "I constantly advised him to remain composed and continue his exceptional performance during training." His training sessions were so exceptional, in fact, that it became customary for Gomez to partner with Endo.

"After the game, we would have a four-on-four match," Gomez elaborates. "Whenever I entered the dressing room, I always insisted that the coach place me on the same team as Wataru because then we would always emerge victorious. That's how it all began. I was constantly motivating him."

"At a certain juncture, the coach utilized his skills. And it's not about me, it's about the player, as he exhibited a remarkable performance. This is the reason why he is currently playing, not because I informed the coach of his greatness. It is because he truly is an exceptional player. Now, he has assumed the role of captain for his team."

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Mario Gomez pictured training with Wataru Endo for Stuttgart in 2020

Gomez sees Endo as a shining example of what a team player should be - constantly giving their all for the group. He greatly admires Endo's calmness in handling his young children, while Gomez himself struggles with just three.

However, it is not just Endo's good character or versatility that stands out. His performances in training, particularly in four-against-four games, showcase his true potential and ability to succeed.

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Endo's impressive statistics

Wataru Endo's impressive performance in the 2022 World Cup for Japan is sure to catch the attention of Klopp. With his combative style, Endo ranked sixth in duels won in the Bundesliga last season. Over the past three seasons, he stands out as one of only three players to have made 200 tackles, and one of only two to have successfully won the ball back 400 times in the midfield.

In need of a defensive-minded midfielder, Liverpool's missed out on Caicedo and Lavia to Chelsea, making the deployment of Alexis Mac Allister in that deeper role on the opening weekend evident. Endo, with his extensive career, has proven his capability to excel in that position.

What sets him apart as a truly intriguing option, and potentially influenced Klopp's decision to bring him on board, is his exceptional ability to excel in possession, even within the highly competitive Premier League. Similar to the aforementioned players under consideration, Endo possesses the potential to be more than just a defensive enforcer.

Endo's passing statistics are impressive, showcasing both solidity and creativity. It is noteworthy that only four players — Jamal Musiala, Dominik Szoboszlai, Moussa Diaby, and Raphael Guerreiro — created more chances from open play than Endo in the previous Bundesliga season.

Endo exhibits the ability to press forward and make crucial passes, which is essential even for defensive players in a Klopp team. In fact, he regained possession 22 times in the attacking third last season and managed to score twice from Stuttgart counter-attacks. Additionally, he demonstrated his prowess with three goals from outside the box.

He ranks highly on multiple metrics because he has consistently played for his club since Gomez presented his case in 2020. In fact, Endo has started more games than any other player in the Bundesliga over the last three seasons.

This level of durability is exactly what Klopp needs, especially after the disappointing experience with Arthur Melo - a Brazilian player who was prone to injuries and was loaned from Juventus last season but did not play a single minute in the Premier League.

Endo is undoubtedly a more reliable choice. Even if he does happen to find himself warming the bench as a substitute, the unmistakable message to his new Liverpool comrades will be crystal clear. Just ensure that he is selected as the top pick for the mini game during training, and it won't be long before he's off the sidelines.