Liverpool Reset Gives Midfielder Fresh Chance Under Andoni Iraola
Liverpool’s midfield image is likely one of the extra intriguing areas of Andoni Iraola’s early work at Anfield.
After Arne Slot’s first season delivered a Premier League title in 2024/25, the drop-off that adopted in 2025/26 pressured severe reflection contained in the membership. Slot departed on May 30, 2026, and Iraola now arrives with the duty of reshaping a squad that also comprises appreciable high quality, but in addition some apparent uncertainty.
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That uncertainty could profit Wataru Endo.
The Japan midfielder, now 33, missed the tip of final season due to a severe ankle damage and was then not noted of Japan’s World Cup squad. That was a painful private setback, particularly after he had returned for a pre-tournament pleasant towards Iceland, just for head coach Hajime Moriyasu to determine he was not prepared for the calls for of the competitors.
Iraola faces early midfield scarcity
Liverpool will start pre-season with out a number of key midfielders, with Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch away on the FIFA World Cup. That leaves Iraola with a lowered group to assess when work begins subsequent month.
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According to the Liverpool Echo, that scenario may open the door for Endo.
“The prospect of a new head coach in Andoni Iraola opens the door to Endo for more game-time and while it has always been generally accepted that the tenacious, defensive-minded midfielder is a useful squad option at Anfield, the lack of key men this pre-season allows the Japan star the chance to impress,” the report reads.
Photo: IMAGO
That evaluation feels logical. Endo has by no means been probably the most glamorous identify in Liverpool’s squad, however he has typically been one of many extra dependable. Signed from Stuttgart for £16m in 2023, he initially arrived as a short-term resolution, but went on to play his half in each EFL Cup and Premier League success.
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Contract scenario provides stress
There remains to be a big query over his future. Endo is beneath contract till 2027, which suggests Liverpool are approaching the stage the place a call should be made.
“At the age of 33, fresh off the sort of long-term injury that may have led to some contemplative thinking at times during his recovery period, does Endo feel he can make another fist at becoming a first-team regular under Iraola?
“Heading into the final year of his deal, this summer sees Endo in the Last Chance Saloon for his Liverpool career.”
That phrase could sound stark, however it captures the fact. Liverpool have been linked with midfield additions, together with Lamine Camara and Alex Scott, whereas Mac Allister and Curtis Jones have additionally been linked with attainable exits.
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Endo, due to this fact, sits in a fragile place. He may very well be retained as a reliable squad possibility, particularly given his angle, expertise and tactical self-discipline. Equally, Richard Hughes could determine that is the suitable window to extract worth earlier than the ultimate 12 months of his deal.
Liverpool determination rests on steadiness
For Iraola, pre-season will probably be invaluable. Endo provides defensive intuition, professionalism and tactical obedience, all qualities a brand new head coach can use when making an attempt to set up requirements rapidly.
He will not be central to Liverpool’s long-term rebuild, however he can nonetheless have a sensible function. In a squad chasing consistency once more, gamers like Endo matter.
This summer season will determine whether or not he stays a part of the plan or turns into a part of the turnover.