Wataru Endo’s Diminishing Role: From Liverpool Fringe to Japan Captaincy Concerns
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A growing concern surrounds Wataru Endo as his lack of playing time at Liverpool now appears to be impacting his standing as captain of the Japan national team,raising questions about his future with both club and country.
Endo, 32, was a regular contributor last season, utilized by then-manager Arne Slot as a “closer,” making 32 appearances for Liverpool despite accumulating only 865 minutes on the pitch. However, his influence has waned significantly this season. Through the first 18 games, endo has featured in just seven, totaling a mere 235 minutes – including only 36 minutes across four Premier League matches.
Slot previously emphasized Endo’s continued involvement with the japan national team as a means of maintaining his sharpness, but that dynamic has shifted. he was an unused substitute in Friday’s 2-0 amiable victory over Ghana, a game Japan secured with goals from Takumi Minamino and Ritsu Doan, already qualified for the 2026 World Cup.
Japan Manager Favors Emerging Talent
Reports originating in Japan indicate that national team manager Hajime Moriyasu is increasingly leaning towards mainz midfielder Kaishu Sano, 24, in the central midfield. Sano assisted Minamino’s opening goal against Ghana and delivered a standout performance, creating the joint-most chances (three), playing the second-most passes into the final third (10), and leading all players in defensive contributions (11), including a game-high five tackles and six interceptions, according to fotmob.
This preference is reflected in Endo’s recent absence from the starting lineup. He has not featured in any of Japan’s last four matches, including two games missed last month due to a hamstring injury. During this stretch, Sano has been a consistent presence in Moriyasu’s two-man midfield, having first entered starting contention in June.
Implications for Liverpool and a Potential Transfer
Despite being one of the most-capped players in the current Japan squad – behind only Minamino with 71 appearances – Endo is no longer considered a guaranteed starter. This growth comes despite his established leadership as captain and a consistent track record of reliability for both Japan and Liverpool.
“If he has dropped down the pecking order under Moriyasu, that could have a knock-on effect for Slot,” a senior football analyst stated. Slot had been counting on Endo maintaining match fitness during international breaks to ensure his availability for Liverpool. The core issue is that a diminished role with Japan, stemming from limited playing time at the club level, could prompt Endo to seek a transfer in the near future.
The situation presents a complex challenge for both Liverpool and their captain, as a lack of consistent game time threatens to jeopardize Endo’s international standing and potentially force a challenging decision regarding his long-term future.
Why is this happening? Wataru Endo’s limited playing time at Liverpool, totaling only 235 minutes this season, is impacting his position as captain of the Japan national team. japan manager Hajime Moriyasu is increasingly favoring Kaishu sano in central midfield.
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