Wataru Endo has quickly become a fan favourite at Liverpool (Picture: Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp believes Wataru Endo will be starring for Liverpool for many years to come after the midfielder’s brilliant performance in the Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea.
The 31-year-old played the full 120 minutes in Liverpool’s 1-0 win in extra-time over the Blues on Sunday at Wembley, lifting his first trophy since joining the club in the summer.
The Japan international was not first choice in the Reds’ summer transfer business, seemingly a cheap option at £16m from Stuttgart after missing out on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, both joining Chelsea instead.
However, the cut-price deal is already appearing to be a bargain with Endo excelling in the holding midfield role, already making 28 appearances for the club in all competitions.
Klopp reckons that even after his current four-year deal is at an end, the Japanese star will sign another long-term contract, such is the energy and quality he brings to the midfield.
‘I’ve said it a couple of times, we were lucky, we bring him in and I am pretty sure in three or four years Wataru will sign another long-term contract at Liverpool because he might be 30 or 31 but he is a machine,’ said Klopp.
‘Football-wise exceptional, defensive brain outstanding, gives us a lot of understanding for a lot of things. Top development. It’s just very helpful. Very helpful.’
Jurgen Klopp has been thrilled with the impact of Endo (Picture: Getty Images)
There was concern for Endo at the end of the match as he was pictured on crutches with a protective boot on his left foot.
There is yet to be an update on his fitness, other than Klopp saying after the match: ‘He [Endo] walked through the ceremony with the stiffest legs I ever saw.’
Klopp will be desperate to get Endo back as soon as possible with Liverpool’s packed schedule continuing on Wednesday when they host Southampton in the FA Cup.
Ryan Gravenberch was stretchered off on Sunday, joining the long list of injuries at the club which includes Mo Salah, Diogo Jota, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson Becker, Darwin Nunez, Dominik Szoboszlai, Thiago Alcantara, Curtis Jones and Joel Matip.
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