Wataru Endo Emerged As A Liverpool Hero That Took Everyone By Surprise.

Wataru Endo Emerged As A Liverpool Hero That Took Everyone By Surprise.

Ian Doyle contemplates the match-altering impact made by Wataru Endo coming off the bench in Liverpool’s exhilarating 4-3 Premier League triumph against Fulham at Anfield.
The most remarkable triumphs often come when least anticipated. While the final result didn’t surprise anyone, the way Liverpool secured their recent home win arguably delivered the standout moment of the season at Anfield.
And the instigator was someone absolutely unexpected.
Indeed, when Wataru Endo came in for Ryan Gravenberch with six minutes remaining, there were more than a few puzzled looks at the substitution.
Although there was no great surprise at the Dutchman’s replacement, one of several Liverpool players who lost their way alarmingly during a concerning second-half performance from Jurgen Klopp’s side.
But the introduction of a defensive midfielder, with the Reds having twice lost the lead to trail 3-2 to a troublesome Fulham, wasn’t universally appreciated at the time.
The skeptics need not have been concerned. In moments, Endo had energized the Anfield crowd with a shot that was blocked for a corner.
That, however, was nothing compared to what happened just four minutes into his lively cameo, the Japan international meeting Mohamed Salah’s lay-off to the edge of the area with a first-time effort that curled gloriously into the top corner beyond the despairing dive of Bernd Leno.
In addition to validating Klopp’s surprising decision, it could also give Endo a much-needed boost to his stuttering Anfield career.
Despite his stellar reputation in the Bundesliga, the Japan international has yet to fully convince in the rigors of the Premier League, with his playing time primarily limited to regular appearances in the League Cup and Europa League, with Alexis Mac Allister being the preferred number six.
In addition to his attacking contribution, he made decisive tackles and used the ball well, injecting the necessary tempo into the game as Anfield feared only their second home league loss since March 2021.
Given Liverpool’s ongoing busy schedule and growing list of injuries, every player will need to contribute in the coming weeks. And this could be the beginning for Endo.