'Solid shift': £12m Liverpool star named in Carabao Cup Team of the Week despite playing 'out of position'
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Liverpool booked their place in the semifinals of the Carabao Cup as they secured a 2-1 win against Southampton at St Mary’s.
The Reds weren’t at their best but somehow held on for a win as Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott got their names on the scoresheet in the first half.
Arne Slot had wholesale changes to his starting XI as 17-year-old midfielder Trey Nyoni earned a well-deserved debut and Elliott started his first game of the season.
But it was an experienced player who earned rave reviews for his performances as he was included in the Team of the Round.
Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo gets Team of the Round inclusion
Wataru Endo featured regularly under Jurgen Klopp last season, but with Arne Slot preferring Ryan Gravenberch as a number six, he has found game time hard to come by this season.
That said, Endo has started each of Liverpool’s three Carabao Cup games this season and was stationed as a centre-back alongside Jarell Quansah at St Mary’s.
And despite playing in an unfamiliar position, the Japan captain showed his experience as he fought tooth and nail for the team to spearhead them to victory.
Endo was named Liverpool’s Man of the Match and also earned a mention in the Team of the Round for his ‘solid’ performance.
“Despite playing out of position at centre-back, Wataru Endo put in a solid shift as Liverpool secured a 2-1 win over Southampton,” wrote the EFL on their official website.
“The Japan star returned a WhoScored.com rating of 7.44 in a Player of the Match performance as the 31-year-old made four tackles, two interceptions and two clearances in a fine outing.”
What does the future hold for Endo?
Slot hailed Endo’s ‘quality’ performance against Southampton as the Liverpool midfielder flourished in an unfamiliar position.
However, the £12m Liverpool man has only featured as a substitute in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League this season, due to which there have been suggestions that he could be on the move in January.
Liverpool insiders feel there is ‘no chance’ Endo leaves in January, with Slot holding him in high regard due to his experience and work ethic.
However, the Reds won’t stand in his way if he wants to move in in the summer, describing his sale at the end of the season as the ‘likely’ option.
