Liverpool has discovered the value of Wataru Endo during a hectic December, where the midfielder was called upon to achieve a feat that had not been seen at the club in almost 18 years. Despite a lukewarm reception upon his arrival at Anfield, Endo has become an increasingly critical player for Jurgen Klopp and a fan favorite. Klopp praised Endo’s performance in Tuesday’s 2-0 victory over Burnley, stating that he would have found the game strange without him. Endo made his 16th start of the season at Turf Moor, marking his fifth start in just 13 days against Union SG, Man United, West Ham, Arsenal, and Burnley. According to Opta’s Michael Reid, no Liverpool player has started five games in 13 days since the 2005/06 campaign. Klopp stuck with Endo throughout, despite having opportunities to rest him, and the midfielder has found his feet in English football. Klopp is pleased with Endo’s progress and will have to find another way to play in January when Endo departs for the Asian Cup with Japan, which could rule him out for up to eight games.
Wataru Endo just managed feat not seen by a Liverpool player in 18 years
