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It is no secret that Wataru Endo has seen dramatically diminished minutes under Arne Slot.

He clocked a total 2,758 minutes in Jurgen Klopp’s final season (43 appearances).

This term, he is on 17 appearances with 482 minutes under his belt well past the halfway mark of the Premier League campaign – meaning he’s likely to not even reach half of the game time he earnt in the 2023/24 term.

Slot’s preference for technically-gifted constructors at the base of midfield became evident during Liverpool’s summer pursuit of Martin Zubimendi.

The manager specifically wanted players who could effectively link defense to attack.

Speaking to Rio Ferdinand recently, Slot revealed why he wanted Zubimendi so strongly:

This tactical approach has limited opportunities for Endo, who is recognized more for his defensive qualities than his ball progression abilities.

And in his own words, the Japan skipper has all but told Liverpool fans why he is not able to break into the first XI like he did under Jurgen Klopp.

What did Wataru Endo say?

Speaking in episode three of the Red Machine podcast hosted by Liverpool publication partner Kodansha, Endo first revealed that it took him some time to adapt last season:

“The Premier League is very hard,” the 31-year-old said.

“It took me some time to adapt but here I play in Liverpool, so even in training the intensity is so high.

I think it’s also a good thing for me to adapt to the Premier League as well.

“We train like we play in the Premier League every day – I think that made us and me stronger.”

Endo then highlighted his own game as a ball winning midfielder, asserting he is ready to do the dirty job – a destroyer and not the constructor Slot wants:

“I think defensively it’s about getting the ball back and trying to have good organisation in midfield,” Endo added.

I think that’s also my strong point.”

“If I play in the number six [role], I need to do the dirty job, of course.

I need to have a good connection with defenders, but also help my teammates.”

The Liverpool man admitted that he tries to play simply and he cannot be a creative force in the team.

He continued:

“If we want to be top players, you have to be both defensive and offensive as well.

I try to play very simple; I don’t feel like I can be more creative, but I try to play simple and play forward and try to change sides.”

So, in his own words Endo is not the tactical profile Arne Slot is looking for at the base of midfield, and in many ways vindicates the decision he made to introduce Ryan Gravenberch to the position at the start of the season.

Read More: Club chief CONFIRMS Liverpool interest in defender

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