Arne Slot has taken over at Anfield (Picture: Getty)
Liverpool’s Waturo Endo has urged new head coach Arne Slot to sign another defensive midfielder this summer – despite that being the exact position he played in during his first season at Anfield.
Endo made 43 appearances in all competitions last season having signed from German side VfB Stuttgart for a measly £16.2million fee.
The Japanese midfielder went on to thrive in his first season at Liverpool, becoming a key part of the engine room alongside fellow summer signing Alexis Mac Allister.
However, despite an impressive maiden campaign, the 31-year-old has admitted he would like to see the club bring in another defensive-minded midfielder this summer to help free up Mac Allister and cover for the departure of Thiago Alcantara.
‘I don’t care about those reports, but I also think it would be better to get the number six midfielder,’ he told Japanese outlet ABEMA Sports Time.
‘I think there is a possibility that they are viewing a number 10 player Mac Allister as a number six/anchor, but at the moment there aren’t many number six players to begin with.
‘I had the most opportunities to play, and so did Mac Allister. We also had Thiago Alcantara, but he had a lot of injuries and is set to leave the club at the end of this season.
Wataru Endo impressed for Liverpool last season (Picture: Getty)
‘We also have Stefan Bajcetic but it’s still unclear as to whether he will be able to contribute immediately.’
Liverpool have been linked with Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich this summer, with Endo insisting he would be happy to fight for his jersey if new additions arrive.
‘Considering my age, I think it might be okay for me to get the number six,’ Endo added.
‘But if it ultimately makes the team stronger then I’m all for it, because there will be competition and I just have to win my position again.
‘So I’m not really worried about it, and in fact I think it might be okay if I win.’
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