Expect To See More Endo For Liverpool – Starting With Southampton

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·16. November 2024

Expect To See More Endo For Liverpool – Starting With Southampton

Why Wataru Endo Against Southampton Is a Smart Move

People are going to shoot this down, but in view of longer-term thinking, there’s a real benefit in it. Liverpool face a crucial decision as fixtures pile up, with Manchester City and Real Madrid looming on the horizon as soon as this break finishes. Amidst this chaos, the thought of Wataru Endo stepping into the midfield against struggling Southampton is far from a risk—it’s a calculated opportunity.

Rest for Gravenberch Is Key to Sustaining Form

Ryan Gravenberch has been one of Liverpool’s standout performers this season. His seamless adaptation to a new defensive role has been impressive, but it’s clear that he’s been shouldering a heavy workload. Gravenberch himself admitted:

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“I have indeed started playing more defensively. Last year, I went forward more often, but now I have to think more defensively. That change happened quite quickly. I have Virgil behind me to help me. If I go forward too much, he calls me back. ‘Rio, stay here!’ I notice that he has to call less and less often and that I focus more on defending. In attack, I try to read the game. That often works well.”

While his performances have been sensational, he’s played every single minute of Liverpool’s Premier League and Champions League campaigns. Giving him a breather against Southampton, a team languishing at the lower end of the table, could be essential to maintaining his form for sterner tests ahead.

Photo: IMAGO

Mac Allister’s Form and Fitness Raise Questions

Alexis Mac Allister, meanwhile, has had a mixed season. Recent international duty has taken its toll on him, and his form has suffered as a result. During Argentina’s latest fixture, La Nacion rated his performance a disappointing 4 out of 10, noting:

“An uncomfortable role… the ball did not reach him (barely 13 touches in the first half)… the possession circuit was always behind him.”

Back at Liverpool, he has also struggled a bit pre-international breaks. It’s likely the issues he’s had, but we also all remember that Wolves match last year and how the travel can affect him. Add to this the ongoing concerns about his abductor injury, and it’s clear he could benefit from a rest before facing world-class opposition. If you’re honest, most would have thought a little break for Macca won’t do any harm. He’s still our best midfielder, and we need him ready for these two.

Why Endo Deserves a Start

Enter Wataru Endo. Despite limited opportunities since his arrival, Endo’s quality is evident. Against Southampton, his ability to anchor the midfield and recycle possession should be more than enough to control the game. It’s also worth noting that he would undoubtedly start for Southampton, highlighting the gulf in quality between Liverpool and their opponents.

By starting Endo, Liverpool can achieve two things: resting Mac Allister or Gravenberch, and giving the Japanese international valuable minutes to integrate further into the team. Endo has shown flashes of brilliance when called upon, and this game offers the perfect environment for him to build confidence and rhythm. Jones and Szoboszlai look set to play both games for their countries too, so one big player rested makes all the sense in the world.

Prioritising Bigger Battles Ahead

With matches against Manchester City and Real Madrid following shortly, Liverpool cannot afford to risk burnout or injuries to their key midfielders. A rested Gravenberch and a rejuvenated Mac Allister will be pivotal in navigating these high-stakes fixtures.

Using Endo in a less demanding match like this is not just sensible—it’s necessary. Liverpool’s depth in midfield is an asset, and rotating smartly will only bolster their chances of success across competitions. We know Slot will say the most important fixture is the next one and rotation has been sparse. It could be really important in this one, though.