Liverpool has only played one Premier League match so far this term, but in that bout, the Reds showcased exactly what is required from the transfer market ahead of the closure of the window at the end of the month. Jürgen Klopp’s men faced Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, and after 90 minutes of competition, the scores ended 1-1.
It was a relatively fair result based on the performances delivered by the two English heavyweights, although Liverpool will certainly hope for better moving forward. Ahead of the clash, Klopp selected an extremely offensive team, with Alexis Mac Allister deployed as a holding midfielder despite his offensive qualities.
The Argentina international was used in the role out of necessity, as Liverpool allowed both Fabinho and Jordan Henderson to move to Saudi Arabia last month. Since their respective departures, the Reds haven’t yet signed a replacement option for the center of the field, having tried and failed to sign both Roméo Lavia — making three bids for him — and Moisés Caicedo, with the duo opting to join Chelsea.
Klopp used Mac Allister as a defensive midfielder, and Cody Gakpo also played in midfield despite initially joining Liverpool as a forward from PSV Eindhoven earlier this year. Dominik Szoboszlai was the third and final player selected to play in the middle, with the Hungarian international also possessing experience as a forward.
In defense, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson both started the game against the Blues, with the two full-back talents known for creating and getting forward, rather than defending and staying back. Only three defenders in Premier League history have registered more than 50 assists in the competition, and two of them started for Klopp over the weekend.
All in all, Liverpool has a very talented squad right now, but virtually every outfielder — perhaps with the exception of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté — wants to have his name up in lights. Klopp has too many stars at his disposal, with all of those players inclined to attempt Hollywood passes without caring much for the safety of the ball.
Indeed, against Chelsea, Liverpool posted a measly possession share of just 35 per cent. For context, Klopp has managed in the Premier League since 2015, and he’s only posted lower on three occasions, with two of those coming in matches against Pep Guardiola’s dominant Manchester City outfit.
Simply put, Liverpool lacks balance at the moment, and that is what must be addressed before the end of the month. Lavia and Caicedo would have helped in that sense, but with both of those players now unattainable, Klopp has surprisingly turned his attention towards a certain Wataru Endo.
His name is unknown in England, with only those who frequently watch the Bundesliga likely to be aware of his qualities. Endo is 30 years old, and he’s the captain of both Stuttgart and Japan, which perhaps offers an insight into his selfless character and his ability to lead.
He certainly isn’t the type who will offer stardust on the pitch by getting spectators on the edge of their seats, but upon inspection of what Klopp already has at Anfield, that is a good thing. Endo doesn’t want to make the headlines, he simply wants to do his job for the team, acting as a functional presence rather than a superstar.
The Japanese international is always available — missing just three Bundesliga games over the past three campaigns — and he’s renowned within Germany for his endeavour, commitment, industry and spirit. Endo is a true warrior who will focus on doing the basics, and thanks to the likes of Alexander-Arnold, Robertson, Gakpo, Szoboszlai, Mohamed Salah and everybody else, Liverpool should benefit from his less-is-more approach to the game.
For just $21m (£16m/€19m), the Reds are about the land the services of a true firefighter who will provide a platform for his more attacking teammates to take risks and win games. He will primarily focus on regaining the ball whenever it is lost, while playing safe when in possession.
If he does indeed sign of the dotted line in the coming days, he will no doubt drift under the radar in a red shirt, and that is exactly what Klopp will want.