Wataru Endō Reveals Liverpool Idol

The Liverpool players have returned to Merseyside as they prepare for their next game against Southampton on Sunday. Before the big return, Wataru Endō did an interview with Uncut about his history with the Premier League.

He was asked about his Premier League idols, and Endō had an interesting response. His first choice was a Liverpool legend, one who is widely considered to be one of the best in his position to ever play for the club.

“[Javier] Mascherano,” he answered. “He played as a six but also played as a defender. He’s not tall but he could play both midfielder and centre-back. I was a defender when I was a boy and I was not tall as a centre-back, so I watched his game a lot.”

Mascherano served Liverpool from 2007 to 2010 when he moved to Spain to play for Barcelona. His dogged defense and clever play was one of the lynchpins of Rafa Benitez’s Reds team.

Endō, who now occupies a similar position for Arne Slot, also said that he grew up watching the Premier League.

“For me, it’s like a dream came true [to be playing in the Premier League]. I watched Premier League games a lot when I was a boy and I always dreamed that I want to be a Premier League player,” he continued.

“I can’t even imagine that [he is now playing in the same position for Liverpool as Mascherano] but I’m very happy, a dream come true.”

The Japan captain returns from international duty after wins against China and Indonesia and on the cusp of qualifying for the World Cup. Back at Anfield, he will continue to the fight on all four fronts for the currently top of the table Reds.