Liverpool signed the midfielder in the summer after Chelsea beat them in the race to Moises Caicedo.
Jurgen Klopp believes that Wataru Endo has developed into a ‘world class’ midfielder at Liverpool.
The Japan international delivered another eye-catching performance in Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Premier League title rivals Manchester City. Endo helped nullify City talisman Kevin De Bruyne, who was substituted midway through the second half and was angry with manager Pep Guardiola.
Endo’s arrival at Anfield last summer came as a shock. Liverpool had missed out on signing Moises Caicedo, despite having a bid of £111 million accepted by Brighton. Caicedo opted to join Chelsea – as did Romeo Lavia from Southampton for £58 million.
That led to Endo being signed for just £16.3 million from Stuttgart. He was a name scarcely any supporter had heard of while aged 30, he didn’t fit the usual profile of player usually approved by owners Fenway Sports Group.
But after adapting to life on Merseyside, Endo has firmly nailed down a spot operating in the number-six role. Klopp admitted he did not know what to expect – but hailed Endo’s development.
Speaking to the BBC after the City draw, the Liverpool manager said: “What can you expect when you sign 31-year-old captain of Japan and he will be a standout player in the Premier League. You never know that people can develop to world class but that’s what happened.”
Endo has made 32 appearances for Liverpool, scoring three goals.
