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Virgil van Dijk has told Liverpool why they should not sell Wataru Endo this summer.
The Japan international has seen his game time reduce this season after making a huge impact in his first season as Jurgen Klopp’s anchorman in midfield.
After joining the club from Stuttgart for £16 million last summer, Endo made 43 appearances for Liverpool.
But his game time has been limited under Arne Slot, with the 32-year-old making just 28 appearances so far, most of which have come as a substitute.
However, when called upon, the Japan captain has been hugely important to the cause.
His importance stretches beyond those 748 minutes on the pitch, though, with his experience proving particularly useful within a squad on the brink of the Premier League title.
His lack of game time has raised concerns that he will be moved on this summer.
Marseille bid for him last summer, but Liverpool rejected their £11.8 million offer and subsequent interest in the winter window.
Eintracht Frankfurt are reported to be interested in the player this summer, and it is thought that the player himself will consider the opportunity of a bigger role on the field.
However, Van Dijk is eager for his teammate to stay.
“Wata is very important on and off the pitch,” he told the Liverpool Echo.
“Obviously, he plays a little bit less than he did last year, but he is so important when he comes on to kill the game, to bring the experience that he has.
“But also off the pitch, he is one of the leaders, and I’m really happy to have him.
“I know it’s me speaking as the captain, but you need certain leaders around to build on and help, and Wata is definitely one of those.
“I am really happy with him, and hopefully he can still be around for at least another few years.”
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