NewsWataru Endo: It's a dream for me here
Wataru Endo says he is living the dream as he reflected on his first few months as a Liverpool player.
The Japan international moved to Anfield from VfB Stuttgart at the end of the summer transfer window and has since established himself well within Jürgen Klopp’s squad, making 22 appearances in all competitions – including starts in each of the Reds’ last six matches.
Endo recently spoke to Premier League Productions about his adaptation process and how he has found settling in on Merseyside.
“To play in the Premier League is my dream, so I’m really enjoying playing football as a Liverpool player,” said the No.3.
“Of course, to move to a big club is very difficult to adapt [to] but as a football player, everyone always wants to play in front of the big crowds.
“So for me it was a big decision, yes, but it was my dream so it’s an amazing move for me.”
Prior to joining Liverpool, Endo had spent four years playing in the Bundesliga with Stuttgart, and it hasn’t taken him long to recognise the differences between German and English football.
“Everything!” he said when asked to compare what is different.
“Physically and [in terms of] speed, everything is different between the German league and the Premier League, in my opinion.
“The German league, tactically they are very focused on details, but the Premier League is very tough and they always try to play forward.”
Having arrived with a reputation as a predominantly defensive-minded midfield player, Endo has been able to show his attacking capabilities at Liverpool too, scoring his first Premier League goal in spectacular fashion in the win over Fulham earlier this month.
Reflecting on that moment, he said: “Everyone might think in that situation, ‘Why is Endo there?’ or something like that, because I’m a No.6!
“But what I always try is to play offensively. It worked very well, I’m so happy to score my first goal for Liverpool. The atmosphere was amazing, so it was good to win that game as well.”
