Liverpool players are the toast of the Premier League after completing their title-winning season on Sunday.
It has been a magnificent campaign for the Reds, who blasted their way to a 20th top-flight English championship.
Mohamed Salah was a vital component of the success, scooping every individual award possible after a record-breaking season.
But while Salah and other players featured in starring roles, there are were number of unsung members of the Liverpool squad who deserve their flowers, too.
Having only started one Premier League match all season, Wataru Endo is perhaps a little down the list of those deserving of massive acclaim.
However, as Jurgen Klopp has reminded Liverpool supporters, Endo is a player who should not be taken for granted.
Jurgen Klopp offers rave Wataru Endo review
The role Endo played in Liverpool’s title win may not be the most eye-catching on paper. But supporters will not quickly forget it all the same.
The Japanese has become a real fan favourite at Anfield since arriving from Stuttgart in 2023.
And according to Klopp, he loved him too. Having signed him from Vfb Stuttgart two years ago, the former Liverpool manager only worked with Endo for one full season.
But, as he said when speaking to Red Bull Japan this weekend, the 32-year-old made a big impression on him.
“Just before I finished my career, I had the honour and opportunity to work with your captain, Wataru Endo. The perfect professional, a wonderful man and I loved working together with him,” said Klopp.
“My first love in Germany was VfB Stuttgart because I am from that region. He was the captain there as well, so we share a lot of similarities.
“I never won a trophy in my life without a Japanese player in my squad, so, you better have a Japanese player in your squad!”
Is Endo staying at Liverpool?
Klopp’s words a reminder – if any were needed – of what an important player Endo has become for Liverpool.
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 2023/24 | 43 | 2 | 1 |
| 2024/25 | 32 | 0 | 0 |
He may not be the first name on the teamsheet, but his professionalism and mentality make him an elite squad player.
Arne Slot clearly recognises this too, having finally been won over by Endo throughout his first season with the Reds.
Endo has been linked with a move away this summer and after just the one league start all campaign nobody would blame the No. 3 if he decided to look elsewhere.
However, more recent reports have suggested that Liverpool are keen to keep Endo, and if he is happy on retaining his bit-part role into next season, there is no reason he should not still be here come September.
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