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When Arne Slot took charge of Liverpool in 2024, Wataru Endo’s future at Anfield appeared bleak.

Widely reported as a candidate for sale during Slot’s eventual squad overhaul, the Japan captain had started just one match (a Carabao Cup tie against West Ham) in the opening months of the 2024/25 campaign.

By September 2024, the former Stuttgart captain had logged just one Premier League minute across three matches – a stark contrast to his 24 starts under Jurgen Klopp the previous season

The aggressive pursuit of Martin Zubimendi in the summer was evidence that the Dutch manager did not see the 32-year-old as starting option at the base of his midfield.

But Endo’s resurgence began with a series of high-impact substitute appearances that showcased his unique value.

His 20-minute cameo against Wolves this month earned widespread acclaim – picking up the Man of the Match award and showing exactly how tactically adept he is.

It was a performance Slot later hailed as “exactly what makes Wata special” – and his now-iconic gum shield and Liverpool-spirit has endeared him to the Anfield faithful.

And it seems the Reds boss may be having a charge of heart over Endo,

Merseyside reporter Lewis Steele, writing in the Daily Mail’s Liverpool Confidential, revealed that Arne Slot’s stance on the Japan skipper may have softened a little:

“Wataru Endo was slated as one who could leave but that is less certain as the Japan captain is growing into somewhat of a cult hero.”

“Slot loves his attitude and leadership so do not rule out him sticking around as an important squad player.”

Speaking after the 2-1 win over Wolves at Anfield, Slot affirmed that the midfielder has been useful to him this term:

“Wata has been really useful for us this season?

It’s not always a matter of how many minutes you play; you can be very important in two minutes and you can be less important in 90 minutes,” Slot said.

“What makes Wata special in my opinion is every time we have to rely on him, whether it’s 5,10, or 25 minutes, he shows up.”

“That sounds much more simple than it is because if a player has hardly had playing time, then to be mentally so strong that when the team needs you – you bring your best performance.”

“That’s not always easy as you see some players who don’t play a lot find it difficult to get their rhythm.”

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