Klopp Talk: “What a Boy and What a Player”
The Japanese midfielder has really found his footing at the club, but alas international duty beckons.
After Liverpool FC dispatched Burnley 2-0 on the road, manager Jürgen Klopp singled out midfielder Wataru Endō for some special praise. The Japanese midfielder has looked really settled in recent weeks and recently achieved a special milestone in terms of consecutive appearances.
Today is Liverpool's 5th game in 13 days - and Wataru Endo is the only player to start all 5 of those games.
— Michael Reid (@michael_reid11) December 26, 2023
Endo is the first outfielder to start 5 games in 13 days for #LFC since January 2006, when Finnan, Carragher, Hyypiä, Gerrard, Kewell, and Crouch all did so. #BURLIV
Our manager had this to say about Endō’s recent performances at the post-game presser:
“I loved this game, I have to say. It’s a bit of a shame how he found his feet and now he goes to the Asian Cup but that’s how it is, it’s fine. What a boy and what a player and very important. At least in January we have to play more or less without him but against Newcastle he is still here. Then the boys leave and then we have to find another way and we will. But for the moment, I am really happy for him. It took him a little bit [of time] that he really showed how good he really is, but now we can see it and I’m really happy about that.”
Wataru will play his last game against Newcastle United on Monday, before departing for training camp with Japan for the AFC Asian Cup. Endō will captain the team, who will go into the tournament as one of the favourites. They have Indonesia, Vietnam and Iraq in their group.
A run to the final would see him miss seven games:
- the FA Cup tie at Arsenal
- both legs of the EFL Cup semi-finals against Fulham
- Premier League games against Bournemouth, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Burnley
All the best Wataru, we’ll see you when you get back.
Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com
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