Wataru Endo Draws Inspiration from Mascherano

Wataru Endo, the Japanese captain and current Liverpool midfielder, has expressed admiration for former Reds player Javier Mascherano, citing him as a key inspiration for his playing style. Endo, who modeled his game after Mascherano's versatility as both a defensive midfielder and a center-back, described his journey to the Premier League as a dream come true. Since joining Liverpool from VfB Stuttgart, he has made 34 league appearances and acknowledges the challenge of adapting to the demands of the top-flight football. Although Endo has performed well, he is not yet at the level of prime Liverpool midfielder Fabinho and faces competition for playing time under coach Arne Slot. Despite this, Endo's aggressive playing style and ability to tackle reflect similarities to Mascherano's approach. As Liverpool sits atop the Premier League, Endo remains committed to contributing to the team's success.