After observing Wataru Endo in action at yesterday’s practice, Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk was astounded by what he was witnessing.
Endo is already settling through his first full week as a Liverpool player after making his debut over the weekend.
Additionally, the 30-year-old is already making relationships with his new teammates, as seen in the most recent Inside Training video posted on LFCTV.
Endo took on Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold after playing head tennis with Luis Diaz in a traditional method. The pressure was increased when skipper Van Dijk wandered over to witness the crucial game.
Endo ultimately cost his side a point, which was unfortunate. The Japanese made a terrible mistake as he was heading towards the goal, sending Diaz’s pass off his head and out of bounds.
Virgil laughed in disbelief, “What is this?!” “Endo, what is this?”
Wataru, have a luckier next time!
Virgil welcomed Endo in his own manner.
This is an excellent way to help Endo feel more at ease in his new environment rather than Van Dijk reprimanding him.
Virgil wasn’t criticizing his new teammate’s subpar performance. Instead, it was a lighthearted way of making fun of him for a careless pass.
As captain and leader of the side, Van Dijk is perhaps an imposing player for someone like Endo to come in alongside.
The Dutchman’s colleagues frequently see this side of him, but this teasing reveals it. He is not a severe enforcer of rules like James Milner or Jordan Henderson.
Instead, he’s a peaceful and laid-back person. Yes, a leader, but one that earns respect rather than requesting it.
It’s possible that Virgil is going above and beyond in his role as captain to make Wataru feel at home. However, we believe that the 32-year-old is merely being himself.
In either case, the Japan captain should feel at ease and prepared to face Newcastle this weekend as a result of everything that has happened.