Wataru Endo’s role at Liverpool was already shrinking this season. But now the issue has crossed borders, and the Reds suddenly have a fresh problem to solve.
The Japan captain, once seen as a reliable option for club and country, is no longer starting regularly for either side.
This shift arrives at a tricky moment for Liverpool. Arne Slot has been rotating his midfield more than expected, and Endo has struggled to earn minutes.
The midfielder has featured in only a handful of games, mostly from the bench, and his influence looks far smaller than last season.
Yet Slot often pointed to Endo’s national-team rhythm as something that helped keep him sharp. That safety net has disappeared too. Japan’s latest team sheet left Endo watching from the sidelines, and the reasons behind that choice add another layer to Liverpool’s worries.
For a player who built his game on consistency, leadership, and calm under pressure, this dip in prominence is creating a real question for the months ahead. And the Reds may soon face a choice of their own.
A decision brewing behind the scenes?
Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu opted not to use Endo in their 2-0 win over Ghana, despite naming him on the bench.
Reports in Japan claim the manager now favors 24-year-old Kaishu Sano, who delivered a strong performance with defensive work, creativity, and an assist.
Sano appears to have become the constant in Japan’s midfield, and his rise has pushed Endo down the order. The worrying part for Liverpool is that this follows a run of games in which Endo has not played at all, partly due to injury and partly due to selection choices.
The situation is unusual for a national-team captain. Even more surprising is the fact that Endo rarely disappoints when trusted.
But regular football is important at any level, and the absence of minutes could soon force uncomfortable conversations — both in Tokyo and on Merseyside.
Could this affect Liverpool’s midfield plans?
Liverpool relied on Endo last season as the steady presence who could close games, break up attacks, and protect leads. Slot has used him much less this year. Now, with Japan preferring fresher options, the midfielder’s rhythm is at risk.
If he continues to slip from both starting lineups, questions may rise about his long-term future. A lack of minutes is rarely a good sign for a player in his early 30s. And with Liverpool rebuilding their midfield identity, every role is under scrutiny.
For now, Endo remains the captain of Japan and a respected figure at Liverpool. But the signs suggest there is a real dilemma ahead — one that could impact the squad balance, the January plans, and Endo’s own career path.
Endo stats comparison: Liverpool vs Japan (2025/26)
| Stat | Liverpool | Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 4 (PL) | 11 |
| Starts | 0 | 3 |
| Minutes Played | 36 | 862 |
| Goals | 0 | 0 |
| Assists | 1 | 0 |
| Passes per Game | ~55 | ~60 |
| Pass Completion | 86.4% | 92% |
| Key Passes per Game | 2.5 | 1.1 |
| Tackles per 90 | 4.6 | 3.3 |
| Interceptions per Game | 1.1 | 1.4 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 2 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Fouls per 90 | 4.6 | 1.9 |
| FotMob Avg. Rating | 7.32 | 7.44 |