Wataru Endo names the player who has the most ‘Samurai spirit’ in the Liverpool squad

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Liverpool have shown this season that they are squad packed full of fighting spirit.

Despite losing their manager of almost nine years over the summer, the Reds’ players have roared back to lead the Premier League comfortably.

Another big test lies in wait as Liverpool take on Newcastle on Wednesday.

A chilly midweek trip to Tyneside in December is not one that would appeal to some. But this Liverpool squad is built differently.

One player who epitomises that battle-hardened gene more than any other is midfielder Wataru Endo.

But although he’s a tough-tackler on the pitch, Endo is a well spoken and insightful character off it. And in the second episode of his podcast ‘Red Machine’, Endo has been likening his Liverpool teammates to that of the Saumrai, the legendary Japanese warrior of ancient times.

Wataru Endo hails Samurai Salah

Endo has not had too much playing time at Liverpool this season. The 31-year-old has featured for only 20 minutes across six Premier League games.

Nevertheless, Endo still has an important part to play in Liverpool’s campaign.

Arne Slot hailed Endo’s work rate after the November win over Southampton, and as captain of the Japan national team, the No.3 brings plenty of leadership and experience.

He is also very proud of his heritage. And having explained that he sees ‘Samurai spirit’ as being to do with ‘respect, humbleness and confidence,’ Endo named Mohamed Salah as the player who most embodies this at Liverpool.

READ MORE: Wataru Endo shares what Arne Slot wanted to speak privately with him about recently

“I think all Liverpool players have the samurai spirit,” he says. “But I would say Mo, Mo Salah if I had to choose.

“He’s always training hard. He always comes to training first and I think he’s even training at home sometimes. And I think he likes Japan, as well, Mo. I spoke with him, he would like to go to Japan sometime.

“He likes sushi and he wants to know more about Japanese culture as well. But not only Mo, a lot of players are interested in Japanese culture.”

Endo explains ‘Samurai spirit’

For anyone who is essentially relying about the famous Tom Cruise film ‘The Last Samurai’ for all of their knowledge on the iconic warriors of Japan, it was helpful for Endo to clear up what ‘Samurai spirit’ may mean.

“For me, it’s like respect, humbleness and confidence,” says the Liverpool midfielder. “So, that’s the three key words for me to talk about Samurai spirit.”

Endo also went further, adding that the Liverpool fans themselves have something of the Samurai about them.

“The Japanese never give up, and the Liverpool fans also fight together and never give up. I love that,” he observes.

Another accolade for Salah to add to his many. Although Endo is right that ‘respectful, humble and confident’ could apply to many of his teammates and indeed the city of Liverpool itself.