Hopefully he can still be around

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk recently highlighted the importance of Wataru Endo. He explained that the midfield is important both on and off the pitch and that he hopes the Japan international stays at Anfield next season.

Endo joined the Reds from VfB Stuttgart in the summer of 2023 and made 44 appearances across competitions in the 2023-24 season. He played an important role in solidifying the midfield and helped the Merseysiders win the Carabao Cup.

However, Endo’s role has gone down significantly this season under Arne Slot. He has made just 28 appearances across competitions, starting just six games, with none of them in the Premier League. He has played overall 748 minutes and mostly been a substitute at different stages in the second half.

Hence, there is speculation about his future at Anfield. However, Virgil van Dijk recently highlighted the importance of Endo in an interview, saying (via Liverpool Echo):

“Wata is very important on and off the pitch. Obviously he plays a little bit less than he did last year but he is so important when he comes on to kill the game, to bring the experience that he has.

“But also off the pitch, he is one of the leaders and I’m really happy to have him. I know it’s me speaking as the captain but you need certain leaders around to build on (things) and help and Wata is definitely one of those. I am really happy with him and hopefully he can still be around for at least another few years.”

As per ECHO, Eintracht Frankfurt are interested in signing Endo this summer, with his contract with Liverpool expiring in 2027.

Liverpool one step away from Premier League title

The Reds have had an excellent 2024-25 campaign under Arne Slot. With Jurgen Klopp’s departure after nine years last summer, many predicted them to stumble. However, Liverpool are one step away from the 2024-25 Premier League title.

The Merseysiders beat Leicester City 1-0 at the King Power Stadium on Sunday, April 20. Trent Alexander-Arnold returned to the pitch from injury and scored the goal in the 76th minute. With the win, the Reds sit 13 points above second-placed Arsenal in the standings after 33 league games.

Liverpool would be crowned champions if the Gunners lost against Crystal Palace at the Emirates on Wednesday. However, if Arsenal win, the Reds can complete the job on Sunday when they host Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield.

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Aditya has been working as a European football journalist and editor for Sportskeeda for close to 3 years. He boasts a total experience of over 6 years, and always aims to inculcate proper context in his articles, making the most of his prior stints in writing and marketing across a number of different industries over the years. He has also played football at college level for 2 years.

A B.Tech. graduate, Aditya’s journey as an ardent football fan began after watching the elegant maestro Zinedine Zidane in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and his infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi in the final. He has been a fan of Tottenham Hotspur’s front foot and creative football since 2008 and connect’s with the club’s underdog status.

Aditya, who is a Sportskeeda ‘Long-form Editor of the Month’ award winner, is a big admirer of Luka Modric’s elegant and hard-working style of play. His favorite manager is Carlo Ancelotti because the Italian allows his players enough freedom in an age where micromanagement is the established norm.

Aditya feels Jude Bellingham and Jamal Musiala could replicate the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry due to their incredible collective potential. In his free time, he likes to read classical fiction, travel to places, and explore a variety of foods.

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Edited by Aditya Singh