Wataru Endo can win Carabao Cup for Liverpool in final impact v Newcastle
Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo could have a huge impact if given the chance to feature against Newcastle on Sunday.
The Reds are preparing for a Carabao Cup final on 16 March which could see Arne Slot pick up his first silverware in charge in L4.
This could see the Dutchman take the first step towards a domestic double with the Premier League seemingly on its way to Anfield.
If the Merseyside outfit want to steal the cup from the Toon, the introduction of Endo at Wembley could have a telling impact.
Newcastle threat needs to be neutralised
There is going to be plenty of tired legs in the Reds’ squad in the capital after the lengthy encounter against PSG in midweek.
It will also be a mental battle for many to forget about the penalty defeat and focus on a cup final, particularly for Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones.
A welcome boost to these struggling Reds may prove to be the absence of Anthony Gordon who represents a huge threat for Eddie Howe’s side.
This leaves the Magpies with the majority of their attacking force coming through the centre of the pitch with Alexander Isak.
The likes of Sandro Tonali, Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes also represent a threat which has to be neutralised by Slot’s men.
This may prove to be difficult for Alexis Mac Alister and Ryan Gravenberch if they are to be the starting duo at the base of midfield.
As a result, having Endo as an option off the bench at any point during the final could prove to be the weapon that is needed by the Merseyside outfit.
Endo to have telling Liverpool impact v Newcastle
The Japan international has a knack for coming off the bench and having a positive impact to turn the tide for the Anfield club.
His ability to fill in at the base of midfield to keep attacking players quiet has been useful for Slot this season and could culminate in a Carabao Cup win.
| Stat (Carabao Cup 24/25) | Wataru Endo |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 91.5 |
| Tackle win rate (%) | 87.5 |
| Duels won | 9 |
| Defensive actions | 11 |
The 32-year-old could be useful to keep someone like Isak quiet as the minutes tick down in the capital, especially if the Reds are already leading.
Endo could be on his way out at the end of the season, so this cup final could prove to be a perfect chance to pick up a second League Cup and a seventh career trophy.