Wataru Endo has already agreed to be Liverpool’s centre-back solution and the numbers back him up

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Liverpool don’t like to do things the easy way at centre-back, with numerous crises and mini-crises concerning depth in the position over the years.This season is only one friendly game old, and another disaster has already reared its head.After Joe Gomez went down inside 10 minutes of Liverpool‘s win over Sunderland on Saturday night, alarm bells must have started ringing for every supporter. Who would be your choice of centre-back signing for Liverpool this summer?

Mor Talla Ndiaye is likely to be the player chosen if the Reds opt for youth, but if they want more experience, then Wataru Endo, who has actually played more career games at centre-back than in midfield, is definitely the way to go.Endo is an experienced centre-backAlthough Endo was signed – and has largely played for Liverpool – as a defensive midfielder, he had mainly been a centre-back up to that point of his career.According to Transfermarkt data, 244 of the 33-year-old’s 509 senior appearances have been in the centre of defence, compared to 214 as a defensive midfielder.READ MORE: Liverpool hint that their attacking signings will not end with Bradley Barcola and Victor MunozPhoto by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty ImagesA handful of those outings have come for Liverpool, when Endo has looked comfortable in a centre-back pairing.Though he is not the tallest, the Japanese reads the game exceptionally well and is a superb tackler and duel-winner. But, with an exit not looking likely, this is a solution which should work for everyone.Endo has already confirmed he’ll play at centre-backOne of the best things about Endo, along with his versatility, is his attitude, with the former Japan captain ready to give it his all every time he wears the Liverpool shirt.This has been sadly lacking for the Reds recently, and Endo’s admission that he will play wherever needed back in August 2025 is the kind of thing which has made him popular with Reds fans.

There were some eye-catching performances in Nashville… Photo Credit: Getty Images/Matthew Maxey/Icon Sportswire “I can play as a six, at right-back or at centre-back – I don’t mind and I will just always give 100 per cent to the team,” he said.“I used to play centre-back when I was in Japan so I don’t mind where I play for Liverpool.”Naturally, supporters would probably prefer to see a shiny new signing rock up and play second-fiddle to Liverpool’s main quartet.But Endo barely played last season, and he deserves the chance to be part of a Liverpool squad under a manager who sees his value. If that comes at centre-back, then so be it.