Robbie Mustoe has questioned whether one Liverpool player has got a big future at Anfield under Arne Slot, admitting that he is not sure that he has enough of a presence.
It is going to be fascinating to see what happens at Liverpool this summer, with Jurgen Klopp announcing back in January that he would be leaving Anfield at the end of this season.
Klopp has added his name to the managerial greats who have patrolled the Anfield touchline over the years, so there is a massive change coming.
Arne Slot looks set to be Liverpool’s next manager. And with that, there are likely to be some big changes over the coming months, some of which will involve members of the playing squad.
Wataru Endo facing uncertain future at Liverpool
You would imagine that Slot will soon know which players he will want to build his team around, and which players he would potentially be content to move on.
And speaking on The 2 Robbies podcast, Robbie Mustoe thinks that Wataru Endo could be one of those who faces some uncertainty as he discussed some of their midfield options.
“You’ve got Szoboszlai, you’ve got Curtis Jones who’s had a good first-half of the season particularly, Gravenberch who’s looked a little brighter,” he said.
“I don’t know whether Endo’s got a big future there. He’s done great, but I think you want someone with a bit more presence possibly in that role.”
Midfielder has yet another point to prove
It is a surprise to hear Mustoe is concerned for Endo’s future. Ultimately, the Japan international was not a household name when he arrived for £16 million last summer after Liverpool lost a number of midfield players.
But Endo has proved so many people wrong during his time at Liverpool. He has grown as the campaign has gone on, and has produced a number of impressive displays.
There have been times when he has struggled; perhaps most notably, coming off at half-time after a really poor performance against Crystal Palace.
Much may depend on what Liverpool have to spend in the summer. If they are able to afford a world-class central midfielder, then perhaps that may be a move that Slot pushes for this summer.
But Endo should definitely have a role to play in Liverpool’s future as they prepare for life after Klopp.