Liverpool is set to face Sunderland in the Premier League tonight, and it’s time to reconsider the lineup.
The Reds aim to return to winning form as they visit Sunderland, but achieving that elusive consistency has been a struggle for months.
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Despite a much-needed victory against Newcastle United last week, which marked their sole Premier League win of 2026, Liverpool was outclassed by Manchester City. Their performance highlighted ongoing issues: the team was too easy to break down, with their press failing to challenge City’s attack—an issue that has plagued them all season.
Once opponents bypass that initial press, they often have a clear path to Liverpool’s defense. It’s essential that Liverpool address this vulnerability if they hope to string together positive results.
A potential solution lies in leveraging one of the club’s overlooked talents.
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Wataru Endo can bolster Liverpool’s midfield
Looking back to last season, Wataru Endo was not a regular starter for Liverpool, making only one Premier League start, but he still managed 20 appearances throughout the season.
Endo’s role was particularly effective under manager Arne Slot, who often deployed him late in matches when Liverpool held a lead, which encouraged opponents to push forward.
Endo, as the squad’s sole defensive midfielder, positioned himself behind the frontline press, effectively cleaning up any attacks that breached the initial barrier. This strategic placement provided Liverpool with enhanced security in the final moments of games, allowing them to maintain leads and secure points.
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Endo contributed to Liverpool’s success in 16 of the 20 matches he played, with 16 wins from the 17 games he featured in before May—a time when the title was already secured and Slot began rotating players. The only match that didn’t result in a win was a 2-2 draw at the Emirates, where he was introduced for stoppage time.
The statistics suggest that Liverpool was noticeably more robust with Endo anchoring the midfield; this tactic proved successful last season but has yet to be utilized this season.
Typically, Liverpool has not encountered the late-game desperation from rivals, as they have found themselves defending from the start. Instead of contending with teams pushing forward late in the game, they face opponents from the outset.
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The solution may lie in giving Endo a starting position as a defensive midfielder, allowing him to effectively disrupt the opposition’s flow from the back. While this may necessitate losing an attacking player, focusing on solidifying defense seems like the pragmatic choice at this juncture. The Reds have struggled to implement their press consistently this season, and Endo could be the remedy they need—just as he was in late-game situations last season.