Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo reinforced his cult hero status among supporters with an impressive cameo role in his side’s victory over Paris Saint-Germain – as fans serenaded the Japanese star following the game.
The 32-year-old was introduced by head coach Arne Slot in the 79th minute at Parc des Princes, with the hosts having overwhelmingly been in control of proceedings up to that point. While Les Parisiens continued to dominate, they did show some rare signs of fatigue late on in the second half, allowing the Reds to ultimately capitalize.
During his 11 minutes of action in the French capital, Endo put in a commanding showing, with his constant harrying of opposition attackers and calmness in possession meaning he played an unsung role in what proved to be a dramatic victory. In the 87th minute, Liverpool winger Harvey Elliott broke the deadlock against the run of play, after combining with fellow substitute Darwin Nunez.
Amid all the plaudits that the pair have rightly received in the aftermath of the Reds’ smash and grab win in Paris, the importance of the decision to introduce Endo from the bench may have been overlooked in some quarters. The Japan captain completed five passes during his brief foray at Parc des Princes, while making two defensive clearances.
However, it was clear that his contributions had made a major impression on the travelling Kop, as Reds supporters hailed his efforts following the final whistle. As he completed his warm-down on the field, fans joined together to serenade the former Stuttgart man with his own song.
Having received a prompt from teammate Jarell Quansah, Endo raised his arms aloft while running in the direction of the away end within the stadium. His 11-minute cameo in the French capital was the Japanese star’s latest impressive performance from the bench in recent times.
He has regularly been deployed as a substitute by boss Slot in a bid to provide some fresh legs and experience towards the end of games in the past month. The veteran received praise from his manager after completing 11 minutes in his side’s recent 2-0 win over Newcastle United.
The Dutchman of Endo’s showing: “I appreciate him a lot as a football player but also as a human being because no matter how many minutes the team needs him [for], he always shows up.
“The reason why he always shows up – and that is what makes him special, and I’ve said it a few times before – is players, and I have worked with many that were in a similar situation like him, don’t always find the energy to train well the day after a game when they didn’t have playing time or two days after a game.
“But it doesn’t matter which day of the week it is or if he has played, he always gives his best in every training session and, as a result of that, every time the team needs him he shows up. That’s a big compliment for him, that he brings performances in like he did today.”
This followed a 19-minute appearance from the bench in a 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in February, which saw Endo pick up the Man of the Match prize. This performance garnered plaudits from Anfield legend Jamie Carragher, who said of his efforts: “Endo’s given a couple of fouls away since he’s come on.
“But he’s won a few fouls himself and that one was vital. If he hadn’t come across and snuffed out that danger, Liverpool would have been in real danger.”