NewsWhy Wataru Endo wears a gumshield during games

The Liverpool midfielder took to using the protective mouthpiece when playing for former club VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga.

And while its primary function is of course as teeth protection, Endo feels it also helps to put him in ‘game mode’ every time he steps out to represent the Reds.

“When I was in Germany I met a Japanese dentist; he told me it’s a good mouthpiece, it makes something different about performance,” Endo told Sky Sports.

“Now I just wear it to protect my teeth and also it looks like a fighter, so when I go into the pitch I just put the mouthpiece on and it’s like game mode.”