Liverpool’s Wataru Endo has encouraged new head coach Arne Slot to recruit another defensive midfielder this summer, even though that’s the role he filled in his debut season at Anfield.
Endo, who joined from the German club VfB Stuttgart for a modest £16.2 million, made 43 appearances across all competitions last season.
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The Japanese midfielder excelled in his first year at Liverpool, becoming a crucial part of the midfield alongside fellow summer signing Alexis Mac Allister.
Despite his strong first season, the 31-year-old has expressed a desire for the club to add another defensive midfielder this summer to provide more freedom for Mac Allister and to compensate for the loss 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.
‘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 midfielder Joshua Kimmich this summer, with Endo saying he would be happy to fight for his jersey if new players 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.’
