How Endo has become Liverpool's midfield linchpin

Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points and players who can be decisive in Matchweek 20.

Player analysis: Wataru Endo (Liverpool)

Endo has taken his opportunity to prove he can be trusted at the base of Liverpool’s midfield.

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The 30-year-old has started the last five Premier League matches, impressing in place of the injured Alexis Mac Allister.

Neat and tidy in possession, snappy in the tackle and mobile enough to get around the pitch with and without the ball, Endo has a key role to play when Newcastle United visit Anfield on Monday night.

Providing cover for Trent

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s passing range from central areas has become an increasingly important facet of Liverpool’s attacking play.

Without his accurate long passes and through-balls they would not create as many chances, so he will continue to drift inside when the Reds have possession.

Endo is superb at covering any space Alexander-Arnold leaves.

With the other two members of Liverpool’s midfield unit often pushed high, it has been noticeable how quick Endo is to slide across and offer defensive cover on the right-hand side when moves break down.

This defensive chalkboard from his appearance against Burnley outlines the type of work he has offered in recent weeks.

As an experienced performer, his awareness and game intelligence is excellent.

Forcing transitions

While most of Endo’s best work is done at the base of midfield as he picks up loose balls and recycles possession with efficiency, he can also be more proactive when the need arises.

We saw this in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal when he twice forced turnovers that led to half-chances for his Liverpool team-mates.

For example, the Japanese star recognised danger and then sprinted rapidly to his left and make a terrific tackle on Bukayo Saka, who was travelling with the ball at his feet inside his own half, with Virgil van Dijk in an advanced position.

From Endo's challenge, Luis Diaz raced down the left and had a shot from an angle.

During a marvellous start to the second half by Liverpool in that contest, with their pressing absolutely superb, Endo was always keen to play 10 yards higher in order to engage with Arsenal’s players.

He made a well-timed tackle on Martin Odegaard, who was punished for holding onto the ball too long, which set the tone.

The loose ball ran to a team-mate and the turnover ended with a shot on target by Mohamed Salah.

If Newcastle’s players do not shift their passes quickly, Endo is sharp enough to close them down and steal the ball.

A natural for the role

Endo’s performance data shows he does not especially excel at ball-winning or with his distribution, but he is still perfectly suited to the role Jurgen Klopp needs him to perform.

If Klopp wants to push Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones forward to make a 3-2-2-3 formation in possession, the Liverpool manager needs a wise head at the base of midfield, who can sit and prompt or pick up loose passes.

Endo enjoys this and has a good enough engine to ensure the unit have enough athleticism too.

While he can’t quite match the youthful legs of Harvey Elliott or Jones, the ex-Stuttgart midfielder still covers a lot of ground, averaging 12.17km per 90 minutes.

Liverpool players' distance covered per 90 mins

Endo also moves around at a decent tempo, averaging 6.91km/h when he is on the field of play, a tally that can only be beaten by  Jones.

Liverpool players' average speed

Safe pair of hands

Endo was a relatively low-key signing in the summer but, after a slow start, he is now showing his value to the team.

In the last five matches, all of which he’s started, Liverpool have conceded only eight shots on target – and in three of those contests they have conceded one or fewer. Endo's absence will be sorely felt when he departs for the Asian Cup after the Newcastle match.

By contrast, across Liverpool’s first 14 encounters they allowed over 4.07 shots on target against them per match.

Endo’s game management, decision-making and defensive reliability have made a huge difference for the Reds.

Also in this series

Part 1: How Nuno has helped Forest break loose