Liverpool should acquire a new defensive midfielder this summer, according to Wataru Endo.
After Liverpool failed to sign players such as Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, the Japan international signed a £16.2 million contract with the Reds last summer. In his first season on Merseyside, he made 43 appearances.
Of those, 29 were in the Premier League, and he made 34 total match starts. Even though the 31-year-old Japan captain became the team’s first pick in Jurgen Klopp’s starting lineup, the club nonetheless saw his arrival as an odd choice.
Due to injuries that kept Stefan Bajcetic out of the game for the majority of the season, Alexis Mac Allister was compelled to step in for Endo when Jordan Henderson and Fabinho unexpectedly left for Saudi Arabia.
Even if the Spaniard is back and ready, Arne Slot’s team lacks depth in defensive midfield. Endo acknowledges that as a result, even though it would reduce his own playing time this season, he wants to see Liverpool bolster in that area this summer.
He chuckled to ABEMA Sports Time, as reported by MSN, “I don’t care about those reports, but I also think it would be better to get the number six midfielder.”
“I believe it’s possible that they see Mac Allister, a number 10 player, as a number six or anchor, but there aren’t many number six players in the league right now.
“Mac Allister and I both had the most opportunities to play. We also had Thiago Alcantara, but he is expected to leave the team at the end of this season due to numerous injuries.
We also have a young youngster from Spain named Bacetic, but it’s not yet clear if he will be ready to contribute right away.
I believe it might be OK for me to receive the number six given my age. However, I’m all for it if it ultimately strengthens the squad since there will be competition and I simply need to reclaim my spot.
Thus, I’m not too concerned about it; in fact, if I win, I think it might work out.”