Japan skipper Wataru Endo is committed to staying at Liverpool despite playing only 85 minutes this season.
The 31-year-old established himself as a valuable member of Jurgen Klopp’s squad during his debut season.
However, under new manager Arne Slot, Endo has found himself on the fringes of the first team.
So far this season, he has made just one start in 10 games and has come off the bench in the closing stages of three matches, highlighting a significant shift in his role.
There was interest in the Japanese international during the summer transfer window, but he has made it clear that he is happy to remain at Anfield and fight for his place in the team.
Endo reiterated his commitment in a recent interview with the Japanese outlet Synchronous, stating: “We have a new manager. I think he wants to see every player.
“It is too early to judge anything.
“A club like Liverpool needs the depth of the squad.
“It needs all the players to play in all these competitions and to win titles.
“I have no idea what people are saying about me, but my plan is staying here.
“I have been doing what I should do and getting myself in shape.”
Rumours have been circulating that Premier League teams are interested in Endo and may test the club’s resolve in January.
However, the midfielder has demonstrated his eagerness to contribute to the team.
This spirit and professionalism have earned him praise from head coach Slot following the victory at Crystal Palace.
After the match, Slot told reporters: “I sometimes, at certain clubs or other teams, see then a player coming in a bit like ‘you only use me for five or seven minutes?’.
“But if you look at how Wata came in now, how good he was on the ball but also the second balls that he won, he had only in these seven minutes a very good impact.
“Wata, with only playing five minutes, he gives that performance – that says a lot about him as a person.”
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