Arne Slot shares honest verdict on Wataru Endo after Liverpool exit rumours

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Wataru Endo’s future has been in the news of late, with the Liverpool midfielder potentially heading towards the exit door.

The Japanese international has hardly featured for the Reds this season, with Endo believed to be ‘unhappy’ at Liverpool due to his current situation, even though the 31-year-old started for Arne Slot’s side on Saturday against Accrington Stanley.

With Endo praising Slot’s Liverpool tactics, though, there is a chance that the former VfB Stuttgart star could remain at Anfield with the defensive midfielder giving a good account of himself playing at centre-back on the weekend.

And Slot himself has now given his verdict on what he thinks of Endo’s role in Liverpool’s team.

Slot emphasises Endo’s importance in Liverpool’s squad

Speaking to the press, Slot shared how important he believes Endo is in the Liverpool squad, with the Dutch manager noting how the Japanese international will play wherever and whenever to help the team no matter what.

With Endo wearing the Liverpool captain’s armband for a brief time against Accrington Stanley, it’s clear that the former Bundesliga midfielder is highly rated amongst his fellow teammates despite not being a regular.

And for Slot, Endo remains an important member of the Liverpool squad, with the boss saying when asked about his players playing in different positions: “I asked Harvey to come into the room before we played Accrington Stanley because I know Harvey wants to play no. 10, but I had to play him on the right.

“Wata is the same but I didn’t need to call him in. I know wherever or whenever he plays, he gives everything he has. He is a very important player in our team.”

Why Endo could become an answer for Liverpool at centre-back

Endo impressed at centre-back for Liverpool against Accrington Stanley, with the midfielder giving Slot and supporters something to think about when it comes to expanding their defensive options this January.

Indeed, Endo was named in a Carabao Cup Team of the Round after playing for Liverpool at centre-back against Southampton, with the 31-year-old following up that performance with a solid showing at Anfield on Saturday against Accrington Stanley.

And with Liverpool in the market to sign a defender, Endo could save the Reds millions if Slot decides to fully lean into the Japanese international becoming an option at the back, especially with Joe Gomez out for some time for the Reds.