Paul Merson urges Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp to start Wataru Endo against Manchester City. Liverpool bought Endo for a sum of £16m from German club Stuttgart this summer. Though, he is not a regular starter for the Reds in the Premier League. Merson was speaking on Sportskeeda and thinks Saturday’s clash would be ideal for the Japanese midfielder. Liverpool will march to Etihad Stadium with an exceptional form so far. They have won three of their last four Premier League games. Moreover, they were only defeated once in a controversial game against Tottenham.
Jurgen Klopp’s brigade is once again looking capable of challenging Pep’s men for the title after their midfield transition. Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister have impressed in the middle of park this season. However, Wataru Endo is yet to prove his worth in the English top-flight. Many believe that he is not up to the level of English league to start regularly for the Kops. Though, Paul Merson has a different view on this. He has backed City to beat Liverpool 2-1 in Saturday’s high-voltage clash. However, the former Arsenal man has urged Klopp to start Endo and push Mac Allister up the field. He said,
“In midfield, I’d probably play Wataru Endo and push Alexis Mac Allister in the ‘number 8’ position. He keeps the ball and that’s the kind of thing you want to do against Man City.
If you want to beat City, you’ve got to capitalise on that extra pass that goes through the lines.
You need players who can pick that pass. Endo is the man for me here because he is patient and there is the added advantage of unlocking Mac Allister’s full potential.”
Merson ahs got a point as playing Mac Allister in a deeper against such a strong side will be a huge gamble. This could leave the Klopp’s side exposed in the middle of the pitch. Wataru can be the man who will check the passes as he remains patient and this can be the advantage Klopp must play on Saturday.
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