Liverpool secured a crucial 2-0 win over Sheffield United, breaking their away victory drought since mid-September.
While Virgil van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai were the goal-scoring heroes, Jurgen Klopp reserved special praise for a less spotlighted player, highlighting Wataru Endo’s outstanding performance.
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Endo’s Stellar Contribution
Klopp commended Endo’s pivotal role in the midfield, emphasizing his omnipresence on the pitch.
Despite not dominating headlines, the Japanese midfielder’s contributions were crucial to Liverpool’s success.
Winning duels, making tackles and clearances, and boasting an 80% pass success rate, Endo played a tidy yet underrated role at the base of the midfield.
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Growing Confidence of Endo
Endo’s third Premier League start showcased his growing confidence and assuredness, evident in his commendable performance against Sheffield United.
While occasionally a sporadic starter, Endo’s selflessness and industrious play are undoubtedly valued within the team.
Tactical Challenges Against Sheffield United
Facing Sheffield United under Chris Wilder’s return posed challenges, coupled with Liverpool’s poor away record.
The match required resilience, with Sheffield United showing improvement and Liverpool struggling in their forward play. Goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher made crucial saves, ensuring a clean sheet.
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Set Pieces and Defensive Strength
Liverpool’s struggles in open play were compensated by their efficiency in set pieces, with goals from van Dijk and Szoboszlai.
The defense, led by van Dijk, demonstrated resilience against Sheffield United’s threat, overcoming moments of inconsistency and controversial decisions.
Endo’s Starting Role and Klopp’s Trust
Endo’s inclusion from the start was a strategic move by Klopp, reflecting the manager’s trust in the midfielder amid a busy festive period.
Endo’s early performance showcased his ability to settle into the Premier League, addressing previous concerns about his first touch and asserting his value to the team.
Speaking on Amazon Prime Video Sport, the Reds boss sang the praises of one of the Hungarian’s midfield colleagues, gushing:
“Wataru Endo – wow! He was outstanding. He was everywhere. He really helped us a lot.”
Van Dijk’s Resilience Amid Double Standards
Van Dijk faced officiating inconsistencies, reminiscent of recent controversies. Despite shirt-pulling incidents, VAR remained uninvolved, leading to confusion.
Van Dijk’s persistence paid off with a goal, surviving a VAR check and securing a crucial win for Liverpool.
Liverpool’s victory, while not without challenges, highlighted the team’s resilience and the unsung heroics of players like Wataru Endo.
Klopp’s strategic choices and the team’s ability to adapt showcased their determination to maintain their position in the Premier League.
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