Liverpool fans all say same thing about Wataru Endo after loss v Chelsea
Liverpool fans are unanimous in their opinion about Wataru Endo after the 3-1 defeat against Chelsea on Sunday.
Arne Slot’s side suffered a convincing defeat at Stamford Bridge on 4 May in their first match since clinching the Premier League title.
Cole Palmer was the standout performer for Chelsea, as goals from the England international and Enzo Fernandez, as well as an own goal from Jarell Quansah, saw the Blues claim three points.
The likes of Quansah and Harvey Elliott failed to use the chance to impress, with Endo being the only one to shine for the Merseyside-based club.
Endo shines v Chelsea
Endo has established himself as a fan favourite at Liverpool since joining from VfB Stuttgart in 2023, with his crunch tackles and grit earning plaudits.
However, the Japan international has found playing time hard to come by under Slot, who waited until the title was sealed to give him his first Premier League start.
Nevertheless, the 32-year-old staked a claim to still be an important player for Liverpool next season despite his age and decreasing influence.
| Minutes | Passes | Chances Created | Tackles Won | Duels Won |
| 69′ | 56/60 | 1 | 2/3 | 4/5 |
Endo was one of the better players for the Reds, as he completed 56 of his 60 passes with 93 per cent accuracy, while creating a chance in the process [FotMob].
The midfielder also won two of his three tackles (63 per cent success). Apart from that, he succeeded in four of the five ground duels he attempted (80 per cent).
Liverpool fans blown away by Endo ‘masterclass’
Therefore, it should not come as a surprise that Liverpool fans were all in awe of Endo’s performance despite the Reds suffering a defeat.
Some described his display as a ‘masterclass’, while many others stressed the need for the Merseyside-based club to retain his services.
Another fan urged Slot to use Endo more often, considering the existing load on Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch.
Wataru Endo's Masterclass at least I am leaving with something . pic.twitter.com/tC6BUG5yBb
— Eleven (@LFCEleven) May 4, 2025
Wataru Endo vs Chelsea:
— The Anfield Buzz (@TheAnfieldBuzz) May 4, 2025
– 56/60 passes completed (93%)
– 4/5 ground duels won (80%)
– 2 tackles won (most in the match)
– 4 recoveries
– 1 block
– 1 chance created
– 100% successful dribble
– 100% accurate long balls
Solid performance, as always. 🇯🇵 ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/aIzfqLrWRR
Jones, Elliott, Quansah & Darwin all fail their auditions.
— Jay (@Jay82_LFC) May 4, 2025
Endo the only one who passed his test.
That performance sums up exactly why we’ve seen the same 13-14 players every single week
— Ryan 🔴 (@LFCOriginals) May 4, 2025
Only one that could hold his head up today was Endo 👍🏼
The rest of them showed why they don’t get given chances by Slot pic.twitter.com/c4NtjyhMh1
Wataro Endo appreciation post.
— DGOAT (@DgoatLFC) May 4, 2025
Looked the best out of the squad players that played today. Should stay at LFC and be our “closer”.
Good performance from him. https://t.co/SkAxlXHYPt pic.twitter.com/djNEUPr8yp
Slot found the league so easy that he handicapped himself by not starting Endo until it was done. Just for a bit of a challenge. Look at him out there. Magnificent.
— barry (@BackseatsmanLFC) May 4, 2025
Endo is contracted to Liverpool until 2027 and there are no suggestions that he will be leaving the club this summer despite his reduced playing time under Slot.