What Jurgen Klopp did to Wataru Endo straight after Liverpool scored their second goal vs Burnley yesterday

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Diogo Jota’s goal for Liverpool against Burnley last night was a big moment for several reasons.

Firstly, it finally killed off a game that the Reds should have long since put to bed. Secondly, the goal marked Jota’s return from a month out injured and reinforced his position as Liverpool’s second best forward.

And thirdly, The Telegraph note that it highlighted to both Jurgen Klopp and Virgil van Dijk just how important Wataru Endo has become to this team.

They report that having seen Endo win back a loose ball in the middle of the pitch to set up the attack that led to the goal, Liverpool manager and captain both singled out the Japanese.

Van Dijk went first. As the celebrations raged at the other end of the pitch, the Dutchman reportedly ‘warmly embraced’ Endo. Klopp is said to have then ‘beckoned’ his No.3 over, and ‘lifted him clean off the ground’ in what is described as a ‘joy filled bear hug.’

He may not have got the goal, but without Endo’s desire to win the 50/50 in midfield, Jota doesn’t score. Great to see him getting some recognition!

Klopp recognises Endo contribution

By now there should be no doubt at all about what Klopp thinks of Endo.

The Liverpool boss was keen to stress the quality of the Japan captain following his signing from Stuttgart this summer.

Although that quality wasn’t always evident during Endo’s first steps at the club, it is now coming to the fore in a big way.

Throughout his initial struggles for the Reds, Klopp had continued to back Wataru. As his form has improved, Jurgen’s praise has become even louder.

Just last night, Klopp admitted that the defensive midfielder is now ‘very important’ to his team.

Having watched him put in another excellent display at Turf Moor last night, there aren’t many Liverpool fans who would continue to argue against that.

Not only is he showing up in moments like the one that led to Jota’s goal last night, but he’s also looking assured in the final third, too. If not for a superb James Trafford save, Endo would have been celebrating his own strike finding the net in the first-half.

That would have been another good bonus from a player who’s now feeling like one of the signings of the summer. But it’s challenges like this one last night which are Endo’s bread and butter. Keep up the great work, Wata!