Wataru Endo has struggled to find consistent playing time at Liverpool since Arne Slot took over as head coach.
A surprising £16.2million signing from Stuttgart in the summer of 2023, Endo featured prominently in the previous season under Jurgen Klopp.
He made 43 appearances, including 34 starts, playing a significant role in helping the Reds secure Champions League qualification and lift the League Cup.
However, the situation has changed this season.
Following the collapse of Liverpool’s attempt to sign Martin Zubimendi, Ryan Gravenberch has established himself as the preferred option in the number six role.
The Dutch midfielder has played every minute of Liverpool’s 15 matches in both the Premier League and Champions League.
In contrast, Endo has started only twice, both in the League Cup, and has been limited to five substitute appearances in the league and Europe’s premier club competition, totaling just 20 minutes of playing time.
Speculation about Endo’s future has been persistent since Slot’s arrival.
Last summer, Marseille made a £12million bid for the 31-year-old, which Liverpool rejected.
Although he remained at Anfield, recent reports suggest that Wolverhampton Wanderers are interested in signing him during the upcoming January transfer window.
Despite his limited role this season, Endo remains determined. He has expressed confidence and emphasized that he is working hard to maintain his form and contribute whenever called upon.
“With regards to attacking, you could say Slot is more positional,” said Wataru Endo of his new head coach.
“He’s the kind of coach who’s very precise about where each individual player should be positioned…
“Of course, when you’re not playing, people keep asking about your game sense or if it’s affecting your performance.
“I’m not playing, but I’m training very hard to keep my condition, and as captain, I feel I have to show a high level of performance for the national team.
“For that to happen, I just have to play with confidence. I know that when I’m not playing, everybody is looking closely at my performance, and so I have to maintain a high level and make sure I give 100%.”
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