Steve Nicol has expressed doubts about Liverpool’s chances of winning the Premier League or the Champions League if Wataru Endo continues as their starting holding midfielder.
Despite Endo’s £16 million move to Anfield being relatively unknown, Jurgen Klopp is a supporter of the Japan international.
However, Nicol believes that the 30-year-old falls short of filling Fabinho’s shoes following the Brazilian’s departure.
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Steve Nicol on Wataru Endo
Nicol on ESPN FC, emphasized the need for Liverpool to secure an upgrade in the defensive midfield position, suggesting that while Endo does a job, he is not the calibre of player required for winning top-tier titles.
“Good signings. The middle of the park was the biggest thing that needed changing. And they’ve managed to do that. I don’t think it’s finished
I think they absolutely need to sign a defensive midfielder. Endo does a job. But you’re not winning the Premier League or the Champions League with Endo as your defensive midfielder. So, as well as they’ve done so far, I still think they need to, hopefully in January, when the window opens, sign a player on the sort of level in their position that they’ve done with Mac Allister and Szoboszlai.
And if they do that, then they absolutely, for me, will be 100 percent favourites for the title. I think that’s the only thing that’s missing.”
Said Steve Nicol.
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Despite positive signings like Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, Nicol believes Liverpool should aim to sign a defensive midfielder of a similar level in January to solidify their title aspirations.
During Liverpool’s recent match against Crystal Palace, Endo faced challenges and was substituted at halftime.
Nicol pointed out that this performance may have highlighted Endo’s limitations, raising questions about Liverpool’s plans in the upcoming transfer window.
While Liverpool typically avoids rash decisions in the transfer market, Nicol suggests that addressing the defensive midfield position could be crucial for their title ambitions.
Liverpool is my Religion and Anfield is my Church. 17th May 1996 the date I had my blood coloured red. The one you love the most you can not live without it and that is football to me.
