Liverpool Player Ratings: Endo's Debut

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Post on Jan 12, 2025

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Liverpool Player Ratings: Endo's Debut – A Mixed Bag at St. Mary's

Liverpool's trip to St. Mary's to face Southampton saw the Premier League debut of Wataru Endo, the late summer signing from Stuttgart. While the Reds secured a crucial 3-1 victory, the performance was far from flawless, leaving a mixed bag of impressions and raising questions about the team's overall form. Let's delve into the individual player ratings and assess the impact of Endo's introduction.

Endo's Impressive Premier League Bow

Wataru Endo (7/10): The Japanese international's debut was a significant talking point. Thrown straight into the deep end, he demonstrated a composed presence in midfield, showcasing his strong tackling ability and surprisingly adept passing range. While not a flashy player, Endo provided a much-needed defensive solidity, offering protection to the backline and disrupting Southampton's attacks. He wasn't afraid to get stuck in, winning crucial challenges and displaying a maturity beyond his first game in English football. There were a few moments of hesitancy, understandable given the circumstances, but overall, Endo impressed with his work rate and tactical awareness. He certainly provided a different dynamic to the Liverpool midfield compared to what's been seen previously. This debut performance suggested he could be a valuable asset to Jurgen Klopp's squad.

Defensive Solidity and Offensive Flaws

Virgil van Dijk (7.5/10): Van Dijk, the stalwart of the Liverpool defense, put in a typically commanding display. His aerial dominance and ability to read the game were crucial in thwarting Southampton's attempts. While not heavily tested, his presence alone instilled confidence in the backline. A solid, if not spectacular, performance from the captain.

Ibrahima Konaté (7/10): Alongside Van Dijk, Konaté formed a formidable partnership. His pace and strength were essential in dealing with Southampton's forward runs. A few minor lapses in concentration were evident, but nothing too significant to detract from a generally strong showing.

Andrew Robertson (8/10): Robertson continues to be a tireless force down the left flank. His overlapping runs and precise crosses were instrumental in Liverpool's attacking play. His delivery for one of the goals showcased his quality, and his defensive contributions were equally impressive. A consistently high performer.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (7/10): Alexander-Arnold, while less influential offensively than in previous seasons, remains a key player. His passing accuracy and ability to create chances from deep are still crucial assets to the team. Defensively, he showed some improvements but still needs to find greater consistency in that area.

Midfield Struggles and Glimmers of Hope

Dominik Szoboszlai (6.5/10): Szoboszlai showed flashes of brilliance but lacked consistency. His technical ability is undeniable, but his decision-making at times needs improvement. He needs to find a balance between his creative instincts and his defensive responsibilities.

Alexis Mac Allister (7/10): Mac Allister played a pivotal role in midfield, offering both defensive work and attacking impetus. His tireless running and ability to retain possession under pressure were valuable contributions. He showed good vision and linked up well with others.

Mohamed Salah (8.5/10): Salah continues to be Liverpool's talisman. His goal was a moment of brilliance, showcasing his exceptional skill and clinical finishing. His overall game was full of incisive runs and moments of magic, creating chances for himself and others.

Luis Díaz (7.5/10): Díaz's energy and direct running caused Southampton problems throughout the game. His work rate was impressive, and he created several opportunities for his teammates. A lively and positive performance.

Cody Gakpo (6.5/10): Gakpo had a relatively quiet game, failing to make the same impact as in previous appearances. His movement off the ball wasn't as effective, and he needs to find more consistent opportunities to influence games.

Diogo Jota (7/10): Jota's introduction as a substitute added a much-needed spark to the Liverpool attack. His pressing and movement were excellent and his ability to find space was beneficial. His impact off the bench was significant.

The Tactical Puzzle and Future Outlook

Klopp will be pleased with the three points, but there are still areas for improvement. The midfield, while showing signs of improvement with Endo's introduction, still requires further refinement. Finding the right balance between defensive solidity and attacking creativity remains a challenge. The early signs from Endo are encouraging; he offers a different profile to the midfield and his defensive capabilities are a welcomed addition. However, his passing range and ability to dictate play need time to develop within the team dynamic.

The integration of Endo into the Liverpool system will be crucial in the coming weeks. His presence allows Klopp more tactical flexibility, potentially allowing for more adventurous attacking formations. With continued development and understanding with his teammates, Endo could become a key component in Liverpool's success this season. The coming weeks will provide a truer indication of his long-term impact and how he adapts to the rigors of the Premier League.

This victory, while significant, highlighted both strengths and weaknesses within the Liverpool squad. Endo's debut offered a glimpse of hope, suggesting a solution to some of the midfield issues. However, sustained improvement requires collective effort and tactical adjustments from the entire team. The road to recovery and a challenge for top honours remains long, but Endo's impressive debut certainly provides a positive outlook.