Wataru Endo has gone very much under the radar this season. In the month of December, he was without a doubt one of Liverpool’s best players on the pitch.
Unfortunately, he had to travel to the Asian Cup, which meant he hasn’t played at all in a Liverpool shirt for the whole of January. However, the Japanese captain has been in excellent form for his country, and he is now back at Anfield a lot sooner than expected.
Initially, Liverpool will have expected Endo’s Japan to reach at least the final or the semi-final. Endo’s team were by far one of the favourites to win the Asian Cup. But a shock elimination at the hands of Iran has sent them home early in the quarter-finals.
Something that will be terribly disappointing for Endo. But a huge boost for Liverpool with the 30-year-old now set to be available to play in the game against Burnley at the weekend.
Wataru Endo doing something better than anyone else
Endo will particularly be a huge boost for Liverpool because there is one thing he can do better than any other midfielder in the Premier League this season. According to Wyscout statistics, Endo averages the most possession-adjusted interceptions per 90 out of midfielders in the league.
Endo averages 8.81 interceptions per 90, which is better than any other midfielder. This just highlights his brilliant ability to read the game. The experienced midfielder is so good at breaking-up opposition attacks.
Considering Liverpool have struggled against quick counter attacks in recent years, Endo’s presence will be a welcome boost for the team.
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