In the EFL Cup quarterfinals, Liverpool secured a 2-1 away victory against Southampton to advance to the semifinals.
Liverpool 2-1 Southampton
In this match, Liverpool’s defensive midfielder Wataru Endo was deployed as a center-back and delivered a composed performance, earning recognition from fans and showcasing his high-level abilities.
According to statistics, Endo completed 79 of 85 passes with a passing accuracy of 93%.
He won all 8 of his ground duels and succeeded in 3 out of 5 aerial duels.
Wataru Endo in action
Additionally, he made 4 tackles, 2 clearances, and 2 interceptions, while also being fouled 4 times.
With 101 touches, he only lost possession 6 times.
Notably, Endo led the game in aerial duels, tackles, and fouls won.
A passing error leads to a goal
Although Endo made a passing error near midfield that indirectly led to Liverpool conceding a goal, his overall performance was nearly flawless.
After the match, a fan vote selected Endo as Liverpool’s Man of the Match, and the club officially praised his outstanding contribution.
Voted Man of the Match by fans!
This season, Endo’s strong physicality and excellent aerial ability have allowed him to thrive in a new role as a center-back after losing his starting position in midfield.
With Liverpool competing on multiple fronts, Endo’s impressive adaptation in defense has earned him trust within the squad.
Endo Proves His Versatility in Liverpool’s Defensive Reshuffle
Forced into an unfamiliar center-back role, Wataru Endo stepped up impressively, demonstrating his composure and defensive instincts. Despite being a natural midfielder, he excelled in duels, interceptions, and passing accuracy, proving to be a reliable option when called upon. While a passing error led to a goal, his overall performance earned him the Man of the Match award, reinforcing his growing importance in Liverpool’s squad depth. With the team competing across multiple tournaments, Endo’s adaptability could be a crucial asset for Klopp as the season progresses.
