‘Special’ Liverpool star admits to frustration over lack of game time Arne Slot is giving him
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rousing the Kop or go back to LFC Live.
Arne Slot has had a lot of selection dilemmas so far this season.The Reds have lost seven of their last 10 games, with this pause in the season coming at a very good time for them.It has probably come at a good time for many of the players too, with some needing time away for many reasons.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. One of the reasons for most, though, will be to get some valuable minutes under their belts, with Slot unable to give all of them the game time they require.In fact, one Liverpool star simply could not hide his frustration about how little he has played this season, with the Reds star speaking about it after representing his country.
Photo by Masashi Hara/Getty ImagesWataru Endo frustrated with lack of game time at LiverpoolLiverpool have so many quality players that competition for places is very strong, especially in the midfield. Two of the Reds’ best players this season, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch, also make it near-impossible for anyone to take their place, with the latter keeping Wataru Endo out of the team.The Japanese international has always been a bit-part player, but this season he has barely featured at all, something he admitted has left him frustrated.
“I haven’t played many games, but I played with the feeling that I had to perform at a high level,” Endo said via Soccer King.“I was conscious of organising the whole team well and how to defend in difficult situations.”“It was a milestone match, so I think it was good that we won, but I’m not completely satisfied. So first I’ll go back to my club and do my best so that I can meet you again in March with a good face.READ MORE: Charlie Austin urges Liverpool to sign ‘cheap’ Premier League star who caused them problems this seasonEndo played for Japan for the first time in four games during their win over Bolivia, captaining the side and playing the full 90 minutes.Wataru Endo could be sold in the summerEndo has always been a very useful player off the bench, with the midfielder usually coming on to see games out.However, due to how direct teams play now, his height lets him down massively, perhaps one of the reasons he is not trusted as much as he used to be.Slot admitted he loves Endo as he is a ‘special’ player, but with things not going to plan, his feeling might have changed.As well as this, Gravenberch will not lose his place anytime soon, and with youngsters like Stefan Bajcetic and Trey Nyoni coming up through the ranks, Liverpool might prioritise youth instead.Now 32, Endo’s contract runs out in 2027, suggesting the Reds might try and sell him for a little bit of money when he enters the final year of his deal.