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Wataru Endo may not have been the headline-grabber during Liverpool's stunning march to a 20th Premier League title, but his role as the squad's unsung hero was undeniable, drawing comparisons to the reliable James Milner.

The Japanese midfielder, often deployed from the bench to secure victories, became a tactical fixture in Liverpool's strategy.

With 19 substitute appearances, exactly half of the league matches, Endo's timely interventions were crucial for the Reds.

Most notably, 16 of those came when Liverpool was ahead, typically after the 70-minute mark, and frequently in the dying minutes of the game, with nine substitutions occurring post-85 minutes.

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Liverpool maintained a perfect record in matches where Endo featured late on, although it had a close call against West Ham United in April, requiring a last-gasp goal from Virgil van Dijk to clinch the win.

Endo's impact was highlighted by Liverpool boss Arne Slot after a particularly influential seven-minute appearance against Crystal Palace in October, which was only Endo's second league game of the season.

Slot lauded Endo's performance, noting his ball control and ability to win second balls, saying: "If you look at how Wata came in now, how good he was on the ball but also the second balls that he won, he had only in these seven minutes a very good impact.

"I think that tells you a lot about team cohesion, but definitely also about the person."

Endo's knack for being Liverpool's 'closer', adept at sealing the deal when victory is within grasp, has become his trademark.

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After being a regular starter with 20 Premier League appearances last term, this season he's been largely sidelined, only starting once in the league after Liverpool clinched the title, in a 3-1 loss to Chelsea.

His playing time has been limited to sporadic full matches: one in the Champions League, a couple in the FA Cup, and three in the League Cup, including over an hour off the bench in the League Cup semi-final first leg against Tottenham, where he showcased his adaptability by slotting into centre-back.

Despite the scant game time, Endo didn't hide his ambitions, stating last month: "I believe that focusing on how many titles I can win with Liverpool will be the best thing in my career."

With Liverpool's midfield set for a shake-up, it seems an uphill battle for Endo to secure a regular spot
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