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As Liverpool bask within the glow of their record-equalling twentieth English top-flight title, a lot of the eye understandably falls on the marquee names. Mohamed Salah, together with his glut of particular person accolades, and Arne Slot, who delivered Premier League glory in his debut season, will dominate the headlines. But, past the fireworks and flashbulbs, there lies a narrative of quiet affect {and professional} pleasure — that of Wataru Endo.

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Whereas Endo’s identify might hardly ever characteristic in discussions about beginning XIs or spotlight reels, his significance to this Liverpool squad can’t be overstated. If soccer is received with aptitude, it is usually sustained by means of grit, character and consistency — qualities that Endo embodies in abundance.

Klopp’s Endo Admiration Stays Undimmed

Jurgen Klopp might have exited Anfield in Might 2024, however his phrases nonetheless resonate strongly throughout Merseyside. And in terms of Wataru Endo, Klopp’s sentiments verge on reverent.

“Simply earlier than I completed my profession, I had the honour and alternative to work together with your captain, Wataru Endo. The right skilled, an exquisite man and I liked working along with him,” Klopp lately advised Crimson Bull Japan.

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That remark, easy in supply but highly effective in implication, is classic Klopp. It reveals an admiration not only for Endo the footballer, however Endo the individual. Having signed him from VfB Stuttgart in 2023, Klopp had just one season to work with the Japanese worldwide. But, the impression was indelible.

Photograph: IMAGO

“My past love in Germany was VfB Stuttgart as a result of I’m from that area. He was the captain there as nicely, so we share plenty of similarities,” Klopp continued.

“I by no means received a trophy in my life and not using a Japanese participant in my squad, so, you higher have a Japanese participant in your squad!”

A throwaway line, maybe, however one laden with subtext — Endo’s affect, whereas not at all times seen on the pitch, permeates a dressing room constructed on unity, humility and excessive requirements.

Numbers Inform Solely A part of the Story

Endo’s league appearances this season might barely nudge the totaliser — only one begin — however his broader contribution displays a unique foreign money. Throughout all competitions, he featured 32 occasions in 2024–25, a drop from 43 the season prior, however nonetheless reflective of a trusted determine in rotation.

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The numbers — no objectives, no assists this marketing campaign — don’t flatter. But, Endo has by no means been about self-importance statistics. His value is measured in tactical intelligence, positional consciousness and unwavering dedication.

At 32, he stays a paragon of the ‘elite squad participant’ — somebody who trains with depth, fills in seamlessly when known as upon and helps preserve the tradition Klopp so painstakingly constructed and Slot now inherits.

Slot’s Refined Shift in Appreciation

When Arne Slot took the reins final summer season, Endo’s function appeared unsure. A brand new supervisor, a unique system and fierce competitors in midfield left many questioning if the Japan captain’s time at Anfield was nearing its finish.

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And whereas Endo was removed from a fixture in Slot’s beginning line-up, there’s a sense that the Dutchman has come to worth what he gives. Studies recommend Liverpool are open to retaining Endo past the summer season, ought to he want to stay in a squad function.

It will not be a shock if Endo, quietly reflective and pragmatic, opted to remain. His presence brings stability, not simply on the pitch when required, however within the dressing room each day.

A Summer season of Questions, not Conclusions

As Liverpool followers toast their newest title triumph and peer forward to a contemporary marketing campaign beneath Arne Slot, the way forward for a number of fringe gamers will come beneath scrutiny. Endo, by advantage of his restricted sport time, suits this bracket.

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However with Klopp’s glowing endorsement nonetheless echoing and Slot seemingly received over, there’s a compelling case for continuity. Squad depth is greater than a numbers sport. It’s about high quality of character, and in Endo, Liverpool have that in abundance.

In a workforce of stars, it’s usually the understated figures who outline the tradition. Wataru Endo might by no means be the story, however he stays an important a part of it.