No Mo Salah, no Diogo Jota, no Darwin Nunez, no Dominik Szoboszlai, no Trent Alexander-Arnold… need we go on?
Wataru Endo has been one of several standout performers for a young Liverpool side that has seen the Carabao Cup final go into extra time.
The Liverpool Echo’s Joe Rimmer rightly praised the Japanese international’s performance, noting that he’d ‘absolutely dominated Chelsea’s midfield’ in a tweet.
Wataru Endo has absolutely dominated Chelsea's midfield.#LIVCHE #CarabaoCupFinalhttps://t.co/bhjoDNREif
— Joe Rimmer (@JoeRimmer88) February 25, 2024
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What do the stats say?
The stats would more than appear to back up Rimmer’s suggestion on X.
Sofascore have the former Stuttgart down as recording 11/16 ground duels won, in addition to six tackles, all whilst having completed 89% of his passes at the stroke of half-time in extra-time.
1⃣0⃣7⃣ mins played… Wataru Endo is having a mental game
77 touches
89% pass completion (51/57)
1 key pass
1 successful dribble
11/16 ground duels won
1/2 aerial duels won
2 clearances
1 (Chelsea) shot blocked
6 tackles pic.twitter.com/NQZZiWLEuZ— Farrell Keeling (@farrellkeeling) February 25, 2024
Given how many neutrals had mocked our recruitment team for going down this route after failing to sign Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia in the summer, it only makes the performance all the more sweeter.
We’ll be taking that apology for our £16m summer signing any time now!
Good lfc always
I think LFC dodged a bullet, by Caiceido (and Lavia for that matter) choosing Chelsea Liverpool.
Alexis Mac and Endo over those two all day long.
Blessing in disguise.
Every cloud eh?
YNWA💪🏽❤⚽️🏆