Liverpool Nearing Completion of Wataru Endo Move to Address Midfield Challenges

Liverpool has taken a significant step in resolving its defensive midfield dilemma with the addition of Wataru Endo from VfB Stuttgart.

The acquisition of this Japanese international comes after Liverpool missed out on midfield targets Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, both of whom opted to join Chelsea.

According to the Guardian, Endo has already reached a personal agreement with Liverpool, and a medical examination is scheduled for today. The transfer fee stands at €18 million ($19.6 million).

At 30 years old, Endo brings a different age profile compared to other players Liverpool has been targeting this transfer window. However, his experience and leadership as captain of both Japan and Stuttgart make him well-suited to take on immediate responsibilities.

“As a player and as a person, he possesses immense value,” remarked Stuttgart Sporting director Sven Mislintat back in 2021.

“He’s an anchoring figure in our system, whether he plays as a center-back or a defensive midfielder. His presence and performance are valuable assets.”

Liverpool was in need of a defensive-minded midfielder, and Endo perfectly fits the profile. Former managers and sporting directors have praised his leadership qualities and tireless work ethic on the pitch, making him an ideal addition to Liverpool’s team.

With an impressive record for winning headers, clearances, and fouls as highlighted by FBref, Endo is known for his ability to win possession and contribute defensively.

Transitioning from a club that narrowly escaped relegation in the Bundesliga to one that consistently competes for top positions in the Premier League will present Endo with new challenges and opportunities to showcase his abilities.

At Liverpool, Endo will be responsible for disrupting the opposition’s play, employing high pressing techniques, and reacting swiftly to counter-attacks. His aerial prowess gained from playing as a center-back will also prove beneficial.

With the departure of Fabinho, Liverpool’s defensive options were slightly weakened. Fabinho, while not overpowering in the air, could be relied upon in central defense due to his height advantage at 6 feet 2 inches. However, Liverpool has had to depend on taller forwards like Darwin Núñez and Cody Gakpo to assist in defending set pieces in Fabinho’s absence.

This is perhaps why Gakpo has been utilized in a more attacking midfield role this season. His presence in the team is deemed necessary, especially when Núñez is unavailable.

In the opening match against Chelsea, Diogo Jota was entrusted with a central role in defending set pieces. Although not the tallest player, Jota’s ability to anticipate crosses and his aptitude for heading are commendable.

Endo shares similar traits. Despite standing under 6 feet tall, he excels in winning aerial duels and is considered one of the Bundesliga’s best midfielders in this aspect.

According to FBref, Endo has a comparable aerial duel success rate (58%) to Fabinho (59%).

While the potential transfers of Caicedo and Lavia involved prolonged negotiations and public speculation, Liverpool’s signing of Endo follows a more traditional pattern. The deal was almost sealed before the news broke, aligning with the “moneyball” approach often associated with Liverpool due to its ownership of Fenway Sports Group, which also owns the Boston Red Sox.

Moneyball, although not directly transferrable from baseball to football, focuses on finding value in the market regardless of a player’s age, circumstances, or reputation.

An unexpected signing like Endo, even for a player in the later stages of their career, is more aligned with the moneyball philosophy compared to the potentially expensive acquisitions of Lavia or Caicedo.

Given his age, experience, professionalism, and playing style, Endo serves as an exemplary role model for young talent like Stefan Bajcetic, who made his breakthrough into the Liverpool team last season.

The club may envision Endo as the player they hope Bajcetic can develop into—a combination of Endo’s attributes and those of fellow experienced midfielder Thiago Alcântara.

While Liverpool still requires further reinforcements in this area of the field, the signing of Endo is a shrewd move that offers good value and provides Klopp’s side with attributes they currently lack.

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