Liverpool fans have had their initial glimpse of new acquisition Wataru Endo in action ahead of their Premier League encounter against Bournemouth.
The Japan international was secured by the Reds from Stuttgart on Friday for an approximate sum of £17 million.
Furthermore, he has earned a place in Liverpool’s matchday squad to face the Cherries at Anfield on Saturday, thereby potentially marking his debut appearance for the club.
At the age of 30, Endo, a defensive midfielder, fills a significant gap in Jurgen Klopp’s squad. His timely registration enables him to participate in some capacity against Bournemouth.
Even before stepping onto the field, Liverpool supporters have already caught a preview of their new number three in action.
Prior to the match, fans saw Endo take part in a pre-match rondo training drill, involving all the substitutes.
Endo started out in the middle as he attempted to win the ball back from his team-mates.
And it didn’t take the 30-year-old long to show off his defensive abilities – at least on a basic scale – as he tackled the ball within seconds to take his position on the outside of the circle.
You can watch the clip below.
Pre-match rondo from the #LFC subs. Wataru Endo not in the middle for very long at all. pic.twitter.com/P6zeuUF2qk
— Theo Squires (@TheoSquiresECHO) August 19, 2023
It wasn’t the ideal start to the game for the starting XI that Klopp did pick, however, with Liverpool going 1-0 down after just three minutes through Antoine Semenyo’s strike.
Virgil van Dijk then hit the bar for Liverpool, but the Reds are yet to find a way back into the contest.
Having defeated Bournemouth 9-0 at Anfield in this fixture last season, Klopp’s attacking charges will hope to find top form soon in order to avoid what would be a disappointing home defeat in their second match of the campaign.