Jürgen Klopp will be happy to see the international break again.
The Liverpool manager is famously not a fan of letting his players go on duty for their respective countries, and on this occasion you can certainly understand why.
Liverpool were building real momentum before having to stop after just four games.
The Reds’ best performance came just before half-time as they made it three consecutive wins against Aston Villa, and Klopp hopes they can pick up where they left off against Wolves on Saturday.
But the Liverpool manager could have some problems with his team ahead of the trip to Molineux.
After losing Ibrahima Konaté to injury before the win at Newcastle, Virgil van Dijk received a suspension which has now been extended, ruling him out of action this weekend.
Additionally, Trent Alexander-Arnold is an injury doubt after being forced off against Villa, and with Conor Bradley unavailable after a stress fracture in his back, options in defense may be a little thin on the ground this weekend.
Joe Gomez and Joël Matip could be the only central defenders available for Wolves.
Jarell Quansah has not featured on the bench this season and could be an option to allow Gomez to replace Alexander-Arnold at right-back, but it would be a big ask if the 20-year-old leaves after making only a few appearances. of first team appearances.
Likewise, Stefan Bajčetić’s opportunity may come too soon. The youngster impressed during his time alongside Klopp last season, but he is yet to make an appearance for Liverpool this season since returning from injury.
The options therefore seem limited and Klopp may have to think a little outside the box to find a solution.One of his summer signings could be a lie.
Wataru Endō is yet to establish himself at Anfield.
His only start came at Newcastle, where he was substituted just before the hour mark, and his other two appearances were appearances off the bench against Bournemouth and Villa. If you enjoyed this article, you’ll love our Liverpool.
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But after impressing for Japan in the 4-1 win over Germany at the weekend, he is firmly in the Wolves squad and the possibility of a minor crisis in defense could be his ticket to the team.
Endo’s strength is of course in his defensive midfield, but he also has plenty of experience as a central defender.
In fact, throughout his career he was used more often as a central defender than as a midfielder.
Granted, only two of Transfermarkt’s 239 centre-back appearances have taken place outside Japan, with his last appearance in the position coming in 2020 for Stuttgart, but given the dire situation Liverpool could face, the Reds may not be able to turn around.
turn up your nose at that experience,“Wataru is a really good player,” Klopp told the club’s official website after signing the 30-year-old.
“I know how things are in this world of football and things like that, but he looks, he looks, because he is a really good player.
Experienced player, captain of Stuttgart, captain of Japan, speaks good English, good guy, family man, machine on the pitch, good footballer too, sensational attitude.
So I’m very happy.He is a good footballer, he has a lot of experience and he likes to work very hard.
“It has to be said that it should really only be a last resort for Liverpool, and hopefully Alexander-Arnold will be able to return after retiring from England.
But otherwise, Endō might just prove why signing a player with his experience, which raised a few eyebrows over the summer, might actually prove to be a smart buy.
