Endo To Go – Who Could Replace Him at Liverpool?

Earlier this week, rumours have surfaced about Liverpool potentially being open to listening to offers for Wataru Endo.

Anfield Index sources understand that Endo is not viewed as a long-term option in Arne Slot’s system.

The Japanese international was always a makeshift solution – but while he caught the eye under Jurgen Klopp last season – he was a little all over the place in Liverpool’s opening game of pre-season against Real Betis last weekend.

Slot’s possession based football requires a holding midfielder who is more comfortable in possession and who also has the speed to close down his opponents quickly.

Neither are Endo’s best assets. And neither are there internal solutions for Slot to turn to in the current Liverpool squad.

Alexis Mac Allister, who often played as a six last season, maybe more comfortable at bringing the ball out from the back but he also lacks the speed to be a defensively dominant in the role.

Stefan Bajcetic, has the speed and the energy but he needs to improve his decision making when it comes to bringing the ball out from the back.

Naturally, there is only one solution for Liverpool – and that is to enter the transfer market. But who could be on Michael Edwards’ and Richard Hughes’ radar?

Martin Zubimendi

Zubimendi showcased his quality in the final of Euro 2024 against England earlier this month.

The Spanish midfielder came on at half-time to replace Rodri and absolutely dominated England’s midfield, winning all of his attempted duels (5/5) and playing a key role in progressing the ball and retaining possession for Spain.

He’s a lot faster than Endo, and definitely more comfortable on the ball as well.

At 25 years old, there is more to build, too – he’s not yet reached his prime.

He’s someone who could thrive in Liverpool’s current system under Arne Slot with his ability to bring the ball out from midfield and also cover a lot of ground defensively.

There are no doubts he will be an obvious candidate on Liverpool’s shortlist.

Joao Gomes

Liverpool have long held an interest in the Wolves midfielder and it’s easy to see why. Gomes showed last season in the Premier League how dominant he can be in midfield.

He’s a ball-winner who thrives in duels and defensive situations. Last season he ranked in the 99th percentile for tackles won per 90 (2.51) as per FBref.

Gomes is capable of covering a lot of ground – he’s full of energy in the middle of the park and while he hasn’t predominantly played as a sole holding midfielder – he’s definitely got the legs to make that role work in Slot’s system.

His passing numbers are low – ranking in the 38th percentile for passes completed – but that can be scaled upwards in a more possession orientated side like Liverpool.

Only 23 years old, Liverpool’s scouts will have years of files on him dating back to his Flamengo days – the only obstacle would be Wolves’ asking price – they won’t want to let him go on the cheap.

Javi Guerra

Guerra is another midfielder similar to Gomes in the sense that he’s been used to playing a double pivot rather than a sole holding midfield role at Valencia.

There are shades of Emre Can about him – he’s a tall midfielder who is very good technically and capable of making mazy forward runs from deep.

But he also reads the game well, knows how to find space and resist the opposition’s press.

Defensively, he made 6.38 ball recoveries per 90 for Valencia last season – which is better than Endo’s 5.62 per 90 return for Liverpool.

Guerra reads the game well – he’s quick to react to danger, and that means he’s got the tools to be a potential six in Slot’s system.

Undoubtedly still very raw, he’s only 21 years old – but there is a lot of potential there and he’s definitely one to watch.

Angelo Stiller

He’s not an out and out holding midfielder either but Stiller has the tools to be an upgrade on Wataru Endo in the number six role.

Once his teammate at Stuttgart, the Germany U21 international exploded onto the scene in the Bundesliga last season.

An energetic midfielder, his best asset is his distribution. Stiller is phenomenal on the ball and loves to be involved in the build-up – always making himself available to receive the ball.

Last season he attempted 86.83 attempted passes per 90 which ranked him in the 97th percentile among his poss

He’s not just an excellent passer of the ball Stiller also ranked among the top 5 Bundesliga midfielders for duels won (297) last season and covered the 7th most distance in the league overall – 356.2km.

His technical quality combined with his ability to cover a lot of ground and win a lot of duels – would make him an ideal fit for Slot’s possession heavy football.

Rocco Reitz

Reitz is one of the most underrated midfielders in the Bundesliga and someone who has played as more of a number eight recently but who definitely has the profile to play deeper as well.

The 22 year old reads the game really well and ranked in the 96th percentile among his positional peers for interceptions (1.85 per 90). He also made 7.21 recoveries per 90 – which ranked him in the 93rd percentile.

A Germany U21 international – Reitz has the speed and the ability on the ball to be a really effective signing.

He made Germany’s preliminary senior squad for the European Championships and his stock will only rise in the coming years.

He’s someone who works well in defensive duels – but can also carry the ball forward.

He’d be a raw signing – but he’s definitely got the potential to make the number six role his own – he’s quick and energetic which is what will be Liverpool’s priority for the position – as well as being comfortable and effective in possession.