Japan midfielder Wataru Endo was voted Liverpool’s man of the match after captaining the holders in a 2-1 English League Cup quarterfinal win away to Southampton on Wednesday.
The 31-year-old national team skipper fulfilled a unique role of playing as a left-sided center-back while moving into midfield when Liverpool were on the attack, and wore the Reds’ armband after Trent Alexander-Arnold was replaced at half-time at St Mary’s.
Liverpool’s Wataru Endo (L) vies for the ball with Southampton’s Yukinari Sugawara during the second half of an English League Cup quarterfinal at St. Mary’s Stadium in Southampton, England, on Dec. 18, 2024. (Kyodo)
Darwin Nunez buried a one-on-one to give the visitors a 24th-minute lead before Endo fed the ball for Coady Gakpo to set up Harvey Elliott for the second from inside the box eight minutes later.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot singled out Endo, who has yet to make a Premier League start this season, in his post-match press conference.
“If I have to give someone a big compliment, it should be Wata Endo,” the Dutch tactician said. “Because in a different position, playing such a good game in these circumstances, that shows you what a quality player he is, but mainly maybe what kind of mentality and personality he has.”
Liverpool’s Wataru Endo (R) vies for the ball during an English League Cup quarterfinal against Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium in Southampton, England, on Dec. 18, 2024. (Kyodo)
Cameron Archer curled home to halve the deficit in the 59th minute, while Japan international Yukinari Sugawara came on for the hosts a minute later and immediately whipped in two dangerous crosses that Liverpool managed to keep out on their way to the victory.
They join Newcastle and Arsenal in the last four, with Tottenham and Manchester United vying for the remaining semifinal berth on Thursday.
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