Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo has admitted that he can play ‘much better’ than he did against Newcastle yesterday.
Endo had been warned prior to the game that St James’ Park would be a tough venue for a full Reds debut. And so it proved.
Playing his second successive game with the team down to 10-men, it was difficult conditions for the 30-year-old. And speaking to LFCTV after the game, Endo was at pains to point out that he can do better.
“Amazing feeling, a very difficult game we had to play with 10-men. It was a very tough game for me but I’m so happy to win it,” said the Japan captain.
“For me it’s very tough but I just try to do my best. After 10-men we just tried not to concede, that was my job. Of course I can be better. Second-half was very tough, but I just try to do my best.
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“Defensively I think I can be better.
“Next time I hope we can play better and I can play much better, I just try to get ready for next week.”
Endo not happy with full debut
Liverpool fans will have been excited to have watch Endo in action from the start for the first time yesterday.
After a decent cameo against Bournemouth, it was a chance to really gauge how good he can be for the Reds. But after Virgil van Dijk’s early red card, it’s really hard to properly assess how the No.3 did.
In truth, he did look to struggle a little, though. And in fairness to Endo, he was incredibly self-critical during his post-match interview. Maybe even overly so.
But again, with Liverpool down to ten-men away to one of the best sides in the league, it isn’t easy to get a full picture.
As Endo also points out, he was tasked with making sure the Reds didn’t concede a second goal. Of course, he wasn’t the only one responsible for that *cough, Alisson Becker, cough* but he did do it successfully until being subbed off on the hour.
Although not entirely his fault, Endo’s performance won’t quieten suggestions that he isn’t at the level of most of his teammates. With the transfer window still open, the next few days could end up shaping Liverpool’s season.
Endo shouldn’t be written off after a difficult first full outing in red, but there are a few worrying warning signs. Head up though, Wataru, we’re all behind you.