Paul Merson has urged Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp to start Wataru Endo against Manchester City. Liverpool signed Endo from German club Stuttgart for £16m this summer.
However, he is not a regular player for the Reds in the Premier League. Speaking to Sportskeeda, Merson believes Saturday’s performance will be perfect for the Japanese midfielder.
Liverpool are set to arrive at the Etihad Stadium in unprecedented form. They have won three of their last four Premier League games. In addition, they lost only once in the match against Tottenham.
Jurgen Klopp’s brigade look set to challenge Pep’s men for the title after switching to midfield. Dominic Szoboslai and Alexis McAllister have impressed in the center of the park this season.
However, Wataru Endo has yet to prove his skills in England’s top flight. Many believe that he is not high enough from English league level to start regularly at the Police. But Paul Merson has a different opinion.
He helped City to their thrilling 2-1 win over Liverpool on Saturday. But the former Arsenal man has urged Klopp to start Endo and bring on McAllister. he said”
In central defense I’d probably sit in front of Wataru Endo and push Alexis McAllister into the No.8 position. He’s got the ball and that’s what you want to do against Manchester City.
If they are to beat City, they will need to capitalize on those extra passes over the line.We need a player to catch that pass. Endo is the right person for me because he is patient and has the added benefit of helping Mac Allister reach his full potential.”
Merson’s argument makes sense as it would be a huge gamble to play Mac Allister deeper against such a strong team. That could leave Klopp’s side wide open in midfield.
Wataru can be someone who can be patient and control passes, which could be an asset Klopp will be playing for on Saturday.
