'He deserves to play': Arne Slot says 'unbelievable' Liverpool talent could make just his second start of 2024/25 tonight
Today at 02:15 AM
Liverpool are gearing up for a double-header against Brighton & Hove Albion as they prepare to face off in the Carabao Cup and then in the Premier League.
The Reds, fresh off travelling back from London after drawing at Arsenal on Sunday, will now head down south once again to take on the Seagulls at the Amex Stadium.
Liverpool have a number of players out, which means Arne Slot won’t be able to make too many changes for the game.
However, the Reds boss did hint at his pre-match press conference that one fringe player could make just his second start of the season.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot hints at start for Wataru Endo as attitude praised
The player in question is Wataru Endo, whose only start so far this season came in the Carabao Cup third-round win over West Ham.
The 31-year-old has made five appearances in total this season, though four of these have come in the final few minutes of games.
Slot, speaking to the Liverpool media team, said he loves Endo’s attitude, saying he doesn’t make a fuss even when brought on right at the end of matches.
The Dutchman admits Endo could do with more game time and suggested that he’d be in the picture to start on Wednesday night.
“I think Wata is one of the players that might be in the line-up [tomorrow] because the season is going to be so long and we will need him during the season,” said Slot. “Therefore, once in a while he needs this playing time as well.
“Fortunately he has this playing time with the national team, but it helps if he once in a while gets a game with us again.
“I really liked him against West Ham and what I admire about him, what I respect about him, is his personality because two times he had to come in five minutes before the end.
“And in my managerial career I sometimes have seen that players who, if they come in five minutes before the end, they come in with a face like this and play like that.
“But every time when we need him – even if it’s for five minutes – he shows up for the team, for his teammates and for himself. Also for that reason he deserves to play tomorrow.”
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Endo a great asset for Liverpool
Although Endo has slipped down the pecking order, there’s no doubt that he is a great asset in the dressing room and on the pitch.
He's selfless, works hard, makes himself available, provides balance to the team, and his passing is accurate and decisive.
Phil Thompson previously described Endo as “unbelievable” and it would be great to see the midfielder get a much-needed start on Wednesday night.
