'Really enjoyed that game': Wataru Endo picks out his favourite match as a Liverpool player so far
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Liverpool have been involved in some brilliant matches over the past 18 months.
Throughout Jurgen Klopp’s final season in charge and during the first stretch of Arne Slot’s reign, the Reds have had some wonderful moments.
Having joined in the summer of 2023, Wataru Endo has been involved in plenty of those games.
After joining as a surprise signing from Stuttgart, Endo has gone on to become a cult hero with the Liverpool fans.
The Japan midfielder is now synonymous with hard work and dogged determination on the football pitch and despite his lack of game time under Slot, is still an important member of the Liverpool squad.
And after featuring in his 59th game for Liverpool during Tuesday’s win over Lille, Endo has now named his favourite match since he moved to Anfield.
Wataru Endo picks Man City draw as favourite game
Endo has worked incredibly hard to fight his way back into the picture at Liverpool.
Slot had pegged Endo to be sold during the summer having decided that the 31-year-old was not quite what he was looking for in a deep-lying midfielder.
However, Endo has come roaring back. Game time has still been harder to come by, but when he’s played, the Japanese has invariably done well.
For Liverpool supporters, this is no longer a surprise. They have seen what Endo is capable of. Above all, his performance in the 1-1 draw with Man City in March 2024 stands out as the day he really joined the party.
READ MORE: Wataru Endo explains why he loves playing alongside 'amazing' Alexis Mac Allister for Liverpool
As a result of just how good he was that day, it was no surprise to hear Endo pick that stalemate with City as his favourite game at Liverpool so far.
“I would say against Manchester City or Arsenal at Anfield last season. Probably City,” the midfielder told The Wataru Endo Podcast.
“I really enjoyed that game because of the level of the game. The game is created not only by 11 players but 22. They all have to have high quality in that game. That’s the reason I enjoyed it because I always dreamed to play in that kind of high level game.
“I feel like this is the reason why I became a football player.”
Looking back on Endo’s ‘unbelievable’ display
There’s good reason for Endo picking the clash with City as his favourite. To date, it was inarguably his best outing in a Liverpool shirt.
With the Reds down to the bare bones, Endo stepped up and delivered a masterful midfield display.
Dominating Ballon d’Or winner in waiting Rodri, Liverpool’s No.3 absolutely ran the middle of the park in a game the Reds really should have won.
Peter Crouch labelled Endo’s performance as ‘unbelievable‘ and it was the day that truly cemented him in the hearts of Liverpool fans.
Hopefully it can still one day be bettered by Wata, but it’ll be a tough display to beat.
