NewsHow Javier Mascherano inspired a young Wataru Endo

The Japan international, who joined the Reds last summer, was an avid watcher of the Premier League as a youngster in his home country.

And Mascherano, who represented the club 139 times from 2007 to 2010, was a player Endo studied particularly closely.

Asked about his idols, the Liverpool No.3 told the Premier League’s Uncut series: “Mascherano. He played as a six but also played as a defender.

“He’s not tall but he could play both midfielder and centre-back. I was a defender when I was a boy and I was not tall as a centre-back, so I watched his game a lot.”

He continued: “For me, it’s like a dream came true [to be playing in the Premier League]. I watched Premier League games a lot when I was a boy and I always dreamed that I want to be a Premier League player.

“I can’t even imagine that [he is now playing in the same position for Liverpool as Mascherano] but I’m very happy, a dream come true.”

Endo has made 34 appearances in England’s top flight since making the move to Merseyside from Bundesliga outfit VfB Stuttgart 15 months ago.

Having finished third last term, the Reds have raced into a five-point lead at the Premier League summit 11 games into this campaign.

“Everything is different, to be honest,” Endo said of the division. “Very quick. Physically hard. Very high tempo, intense. That’s the Premier League.

“The most important thing for me is to try to keep playing the Premier League game, and also important for me is to try to do well in every session.

“I’m here at Liverpool and we have so many quality players so to train with them is very good for me to adapt to the Premier League as well.”

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Asked about the importance of protecting the ball in the centre of the pitch, the 31-year-old added: “Especially midfielders have to take a good position, always try to be between the opponent and also scanning – you have to see, look around before you get the ball.

“I just try to play simple. If I feel pressure, just play it back to the defenders. I think a midfielder has to play with one or two touches, very simple.”

Captain of his country, Endo hopes he and other compatriots plying their trade in the Premier League can in turn inspire the next generation of aspiring footballers in Japan.

“I think it’s a very good thing for Japanese football hopefully,” he said. “I think everyone was watching when they were kids.

“Now the whole crowd is interested in Japanese players. I came here last season and also a lot of players came to the Premier League and they have been playing well. I think it’s a very good thing for Japanese football.”