Arne Slot has as soon as once more spoken of his appreciation for Wataru Endo, lauding him as each a footballer and an individual.
The Japanese has change into a cult hero since arriving at Liverpool in the summertime of 2023, regardless of not often managing to nail down a beginning berth.
This season, Endo has solely began 4 matches, in all competitions, together with none within the Premier League.
Regardless of this, the 32-year-old has nonetheless produced some clever late cameos, successful free-kicks and breaking apart play.
Chatting with reporters after Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Newcastle on Wednesday night time, Slot didn’t maintain again in his admiration for Endo.
“I respect him so much as a soccer participant but additionally as a human being as a result of regardless of what number of minutes the staff wants him [for], he all the time exhibits up,” Slot stated.
“The rationale why he all the time exhibits up – and that’s what makes him particular, and I’ve stated it a couple of instances earlier than – is gamers, and I’ve labored with many who have been in an identical state of affairs like him, don’t all the time discover the vitality to coach nicely the day after a sport once they didn’t have enjoying time or two days after a sport.
“However it doesn’t matter which day of the week it’s or if he has performed, he all the time provides his finest in each coaching session and, because of that, each time the staff wants him he exhibits up.
“That’s an enormous praise for him, that he brings performances in like he did right this moment.”
That is the second time in fast succession that Slot has hailed Endo, just lately describing him as “particular” due to the convenience during which he can get right into a rhythm even when he hasn’t performed a lot.
The Japanese is the kind of footballer that title-winning groups want – unsung figures who don’t make the headlines, however who use their expertise expertly.
If Liverpool do win the Premier League this season, in addition to different trophies, Endo’s affect received’t be ignored by supporters, who will respect him lengthy after he leaves.
He has a task to play within the coming weeks and months, together with his nous off the bench probably helpful within the upcoming Champions League assembly with Paris Saint-Germain.
