Wataru Endo’s Liverpool career, once seemingly on the periphery, is poised for a resurgence thanks to a tactical shift orchestrated by manager Arne Slot.
With Endo transitioning from midfield to centre-back, the Japanese international is now expected to enjoy increased game-time, a crucial development in Liverpool’s quest for silverware on multiple fronts.
Slot’s arrival at Anfield last summer signaled a shift in Liverpool’s midfield philosophy. The club’s pursuit of Martin Zubimendi—a technical and composed playmaker—underscored Slot’s preference for midfielders adept in possession rather than pure defensive enforcers. Despite Zubimendi’s rejection, Ryan Gravenberch’s acquisition partially addressed Liverpool’s creative needs. Yet, it left Endo, a more defensive-minded option, with limited opportunities in his preferred role.
Endo, who was a mainstay under Jurgen Klopp with 43 appearances last season, has found himself relegated to late-game cameo roles aimed at protecting leads. However, the League Cup quarter-final against Southampton marked a turning point. Slot deployed Endo as a centre-back, a decision that initially raised eyebrows but paid dividends in Liverpool’s 2-1 triumph.
This positional experiment was no fluke. Endo retained his place in the backline for the FA Cup clash against Accrington Stanley, where Liverpool cruised to a 4-0 victory. Following the match, Endo shed light on the strategic decision, revealing Slot’s endorsement of him as a defensive option.
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“I don’t discuss my position with the manager,” Endo shared. “With Joey [Gomez] injured and Ibou [Konate] just returning, I was asked to play. Slot believes I fit his defensive tactics, and I hope this leads to more minutes.”
The 31-year-old’s comfort in the role stems from his earlier career. “I played as a defender from age 18 to 25,” Endo explained. “For me, it’s natural whether I’m at centre-back or in midfield. I just aim to contribute.”
Liverpool’s decision to reject Marseille’s £11.8m bid for Endo last summer now seems prescient. At the time, Slot had yet to fully evaluate his squad, but the club’s faith in Endo’s versatility and experience is now being rewarded. Despite limited appearances, Endo’s leadership remains invaluable, as evidenced when he donned the captain’s armband against Accrington following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s substitution.
“It’s an honor to captain Liverpool, even briefly,” said Endo. “More importantly, we played well, and everyone contributed. Depth is crucial, and we need all players ready for the challenges ahead.”
Heavy Fixture for Liverpool
Endo’s resurgence is timely as Liverpool’s fixture list intensifies. With ambitions in the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, and Europa League, having reliable depth options like Endo could be the difference between a successful campaign and missed opportunities. Slot’s willingness to adapt and innovate has injected fresh life into Endo’s Liverpool tenure, proving that tactical flexibility can unlock previously untapped potential.
Beyond Endo, Liverpool’s squad management remains a hot topic. Reports suggest Al-Hilal is preparing a move for Darwin Nunez, with the Saudi club seeking a marquee forward to replace Neymar. Liverpool’s stance is clear: they’ll entertain offers for Nunez but only at their £85m valuation. Meanwhile, Harvey Elliott has also drawn interest from Brighton and Borussia Dortmund, with the Reds reportedly setting a £35m-£40m asking price for the young attacker.
These developments underline the dynamic state of Liverpool’s squad under Slot. The club’s balance of nurturing young talent while extracting value from experienced players like Endo will be pivotal as they chase glory this season.
Endo’s adaptability exemplifies Liverpool’s evolution under Slot. What initially appeared to be a peripheral role has transformed into a critical part of the team’s defensive structure. As the season progresses, Endo’s journey serves as a reminder that every player—regardless of their perceived status—has a vital role to play in Liverpool’s pursuit of success.
