NewsWataru Endo on the secret to his Premier League adaptation at Liverpool

The No.3 made the switch to Merseyside from Bundesliga team VfB Stuttgart in the summer of 2023, bolstering the Reds' midfield ranks in the process.

Endo played an important role in his debut campaign at Anfield, making 43 appearances across all competitions, 29 of which came in the top division.

He also featured in a memorable Carabao Cup final triumph over Chelsea at Wembley – Jürgen Klopp's final piece of silverware as the club's manager – and helped Liverpool return to the Champions League with a third-placed finish in the league.

"The Premier League is very hard," Endo revealed, in episode three of the Red Machine podcast, released by Kodansha.

"It took me some time to adapt but here I play in Liverpool, so even in training the intensity is so high. We have a lot of quality players. I think it's also a good thing for me to adapt to the Premier League as well.

"We train like we play in the Premier League every day – I think that made us and me stronger."

Endo has been utilised in both midfield and in central defence under Arne Slot since the head coach arrived this past summer.

The new head coach has praised the Japan captain's side-before-self mantra this season, knowing he can rely on him wherever required.

"I think defensively it's about getting the ball back and trying to have good organisation in midfield," Endo added. "I think that's my style.

"I would always try to maximise our team. I always try to help my teammates play well. I think that's also my strong point.

"If I play in the number six [role], I need to do the dirty job, of course! I need to have a good connection with defenders, but also help my teammates."

He continued: "If we want to be top players, you have to be both defensive and offensive as well. Of course, I need to defend well at least, but I always try to make a difference. I try to play very simple; I don't feel like I can be more creative, but I try to play simple and play forward and try to change sides."