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Wataru Endo has revealed that he was not always the tireless and determined midfield anchor that he appears at Anfield.

Endo’s arrival at Liverpool in the summer of 2023 was met with surprise and curiosity.

The Japanese international was signed from Stuttgart for a reported £16 million, following Liverpool’s unsuccessful bids for more high-profile targets like Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia last summer.

Initially seen as a wildcard addition, Endo’s first season at Anfield has been a mix of challenges and triumphs.

His debut against Bournemouth highlighted the gap between his previous experiences and the demands of the Premier League.

Early in the season, he was primarily used in Europa League and domestic cup fixtures, making seven starts in his first 16 games.

This cautious introduction allowed him to gradually acclimate to the higher intensity and physicality of English football.

Endo’s fortunes began to change following an injury to Alexis Mac Allister in December.

This opportunity allowed him to feature more regularly in Premier League matches, where he showcased his capabilities as a reliable defensive midfielder.

He finished the 2023/24 campaign as a key cog in Jurgen Klopp’s final season and managed to make 44 appearances across all competitions.

But the 31-year-old was not playing as a No.6 until well into his professional career.

What did Wataru Endo say about his position change

Speaking on the Red Machine podcast, the Japan skipper revealed that it not until he was playing in Belgium that he made the switch to the base of midfield.

Having moved to Sint-Truiden in 2018, Endo was 25-years-old before he was regularly taking up duties in the engine room:

“For me, it’s always important to win the duels, because I play in defensive midfield,” Endo began.

“When I started playing football, I played No.9 and I scored a lot!”

“It’s common in Japan, most of the Japanese football players, if you asked them which position you were when you grew up, almost everyone was a No.9.”

“It’s very common, it often happens with Japanese players, and I was also a No.9.”

“Then, after that I started playing almost every position: full-back, No.10, No.8, right-back and No.6.

Then I moved to Sint-Truiden in Belgium and I started to play as a No.6 since then.

I have played a lot of positions.”

With his work rate and general determination on the field, it looks like its fair to say the No.6 position chose him as opposed to the other way round.

He also revealed his feelings on working with new manager Arne Slot next season, and will play Champions League football at Anfield for the first time:

“We will get a new manager but the things I have to do don’t change, I just try to keep doing my best and I will keep showing myself,” said Endo.

“It’s just a new start for me and the other players.”

“I’m really looking forward to playing in the Champions League next season?

Most of the players play football for the Champions League or winning the title; I’m so happy that we achieved [qualification] for the Champions League.”

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