Wataru Endo

Wataru Endo is a Japanese defensive midfielder who combines ball-winning with disciplined distribution. Born in Yokohama on February 9, 1993, he developed in Shonan Bellmare’s academy and made his senior debut as a teenager. He helped Shonan win the J2 League in 2014, having become the club’s captain at 19. In 2016, Endo joined Urawa Red Diamonds, where he grew into a midfield presence and won the 2017 AFC Champions League. He moved to Sint-Truiden in 2018, then continued his European career with VfB Stuttgart, captaining the German side after establishing himself as a defensive midfield anchor. In August 2023, Liverpool signed Endo, and he helped the club win the EFL Cup in 2024. Endo has also captained Japan, representing his country while becoming a senior leader. At Liverpool, Wataru Endo provides cover in front of the defence and contests possession in midfield.