Liverpool have "underrated" warrior that's like Henderson and Milner

Liverpool absolutely smashed the 2023 summer transfer window.

Just when you think Alexis Mac Allister is by far the most impressive of Liverpool's new midfielders, Wataru Endo returns from international duty and delivers a string of world class performances in the no.6 role.

Soon, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai will return from injury to remind us why they're just as exciting.

After his dominant display in the Carabao Cup final, battling for the trophy in front of the back four, Wataru Endo has been described as "underrated" by BBC pundit and former Premier League goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.

Wataru Endo is underrated, says Asmir Begovic

Against Chelsea, the 31-year-old won 11 of his 17 ground duels, took 89 touches, played one key pass, made three clearances and six tackles, as per Sofascore data.

He was immense!

Speaking on the BBC Radio Five Live Football Daily podcast, Asmir Begovic says that Endo has not been highlighted as much as he should have been since his £16 million move to Anfield.

Begovic said: “It’s the construct of the squad, and it’s such an underrated signing as a squad player, but having someone like Endo to come in who has experience, a lot of caps and has played a long time in Germany, you can just throw him in.

"They’ve always had the likes of Henderson and Milner where you can throw them in at any time and not be worried."

Endo is certainly a reliable player for Jurgen Klopp and whoever replaces him, with it currently poised to be Xabi Alonso, will likely love the Japan international just as much as the Liverpool boss does.

After the final win at Wembley on Sunday, the 56-year-old said that he wouldn't be surprised if Liverpool extend Endo's contract in a few years' time.

Warrior Wataru Endo was vital to Carabao Cup triumph

In the summer, supporters were desperate to see Liverpool sign a new defensive midfielder after watching Brazilian midfield enforcer Fabinho seal a surprise move to the Saudi Pro League.

The Reds then surprised supporters even more by agreeing a £111 million fee with Brighton for Moises Caicedo. It was bitterly disappointing to then see him reject Liverpool and join Chelsea instead.

When Endo ultimately proved to be Liverpool's late alternative, it wasn't with huge expectation that he joined the Merseysiders but ever since, he has been a hero with the fans.

His reliability at the base of midfield really is underrated, as Begovic says. Had he been signed for £70M, perhaps he would be getting more attention but it's coming now.

And it's more than deserved.