Stephen Warnock has now shared his opinion that Wataru Endo may not quite be good for Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp this season.
Warnock was speaking on ‘The 2 Robbies Podcast’ and was actually praising Ryan Graveberch’s start in Liverpool’s midfield.
The pundit recognised that Gravenberch was still getting up to speed after a disrupted pre-season, but was showing good signs.
However, Warnock did then admit that he’s not sure if Endo has the ability to reach the same levels for Liverpool.
Warnock said: “He’ll get better in time, but I do like him [Gravenberch], he’s more of an advanced centre-midfielder, loves getting on the half turn, drives with the ball so so well.
“So it’s just that defensive minded midfielder, and Endo is just not quite at the level.”
Of course, there’s not a lot of negatives around Klopp’s Liverpool side right now, but Endo hasn’t quite nailed his role.
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The 30-year-old started in yesterday’s 3-0 win given the absence of Alexis Mac Allister, but a few pundits did question his display.
Warnock thinks Endo may not be up to Klopp’s lofty standards at Liverpool
Although Liverpool were reportedly targeting some huge deals to bring in a defensive midfielder this summer, it does seem as if Endo was recruited as a squad player.
Liverpool simply couldn’t start the campaign without added defensive presence in their midfield, and the £16m Japan international provided much needed reassurance.
But perhaps Klopp’s insistence to play Mac Allister in a deep role does agree with this idea of Endo underwhelming.
Mac Allister has been criticised for his own defensive characteristics of late, but Klopp seemingly will keep faith.
It’ll certainly be interesting to see if Liverpool do target another name akin to the likes of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia in future.
But with Klopp’s side now setting club records with their home form, Klopp is unlikely to be concerned by any doubters.
Perhaps Warnock’s scepticism of Endo’s levels at Liverpool will be tested when Klopp’s side travel to the Etihad.
A start for Mac Allister as the number six would be a firm signal that Endo is at Anfield as back up this season.