Jurgen Klopp is reportedly ready to start Wataru Endo in Liverpool’s next Premier League match against Newcastle United this weekend.
According to the Athletic, Liverpool’s plan for their new signing is to get him up to speed in training ahead of his first start for the Reds at St. James Park on Sunday.
Endo was signed by Liverpool last week and made his debut for the club on Saturday against AFC Bournemouth, with the Japanese international now expected to become a starter for Klopp.
Lauded by Owen Hargreaves as a ‘brilliant’ player, expectations will be high of Endo to perform against Newcastle, a club many expect to once against challenge for a UEFA Champions League spot this season.
Moreover, with Liverpool no longer looking for a no. 6, the pressure will be on Endo to replicate the likes of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, a task that could prove too much for the 30-year-old.
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However, there’s no doubt that the midfielder is an exciting addition to Liverpool’s ranks, and Endo could be the missing piece in what Klopp has been looking to do all summer for the Reds.
Klopp’s faith in Endo starting for Liverpool has to pay off
Liverpool’s move for Endo caught everybody by surprise, yet with all the key figures at the club supporting the move, most notably Klopp, this transfer simply has to work out.
The Japanese international already getting trusted into the starting XI shows and immense level of faith from the Anfield boss at a time when only a few players are guaranteed spots in Klopp’s side.
And for Endo, the former Bundesliga captain has to repay his faith in Klopp and in Liverpool with some huge performances, starting with Newcastle on Sunday.