Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp named his Man of the Match for tonight’s 2-0 win over Burnley.
Officially, Virgil van Dijk was given the nod as the game’s best player on Boxing Day. But Klopp had a different view.
Speaking to Amazon Prime via BBC Sport after the game, the Reds boss named Wataru Endo as Liverpool’s top performer on the day.
“Another player who could have been in contention [for MOTM] was Wataru Endo,” enthused Klopp.
“What a game he played.”
Endo stakes his claim again
We’re minded to agree with Klopp here. We also named Endo as Liverpool’s Man of the Match this evening. Good eye, Jurgen.
The Japan international has come on leaps and bounds in recent weeks. Having started each of the Reds last three matches, Endo now looks completely settled.
With Alexis Mac Allister still injured, the 30-year-old is the only real option Klopp currently has in defensive midfield.
And although he’s had a few shaky displays along the way this season, Endo now looks capable of playing that role for Liverpool.
Not only has he started four games in 10 days for the Reds, but he’s completed three of those four, too. Klopp has changed those either side of Wataru with regularity, but he’s kept his No.3 on throughout it all.
All in all, Endo has started Liverpool’s last seven games. He’s one of the first names on the team sheet right now.
That shows the faith the boss now has in him. And with performances like these, the former Stuttgart man is justifying that faith.
It wasn’t all perfect tonight. In fact, Endo could have cost Liverpool the game. But thankfully, Jacob Bruun Larsen couldn’t convert his lax giveaway ball across the Reds’ defence. Endo’s copybook remained unblotted.
We have to say, we weren’t sure about the signing of the Japan captain. But his form of late has completely vindicated the surprise decision to bring Endo in.
Long may it continue!
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
