Jurgen Klopp has welcomed the return of “super influential” Wataru Endo that could unlock Alexis Mac Allister further upfield for Liverpool.
Endo returned to Merseyside earlier this week after Japan were surprisingly knocked out of the Asia Cup
Endo started the previous eight in the defensive midfield role with Mac Allister sidelined by a knee complaint.
The duo have started only three games together this season, none of which saw them play together for more than an hour.
They could now be paired for the Premier League visit of Burnley on Saturday, with the return of Endo allowing for Mac Allister to operate in a more advanced role in midfield.
Klopp
“He can, but he has done extremely well as a six,”
“So we will see how we sort that. But it’s good. Macca and Wataru can play together as well, there’s no doubt about that. It’s not a problem.
“We just have to make sure that we try as much as we can to bring them in the right moment together, so let’s see.”
Klopp added:
“From that point of view, it might have been the wrong point (for him to leave). Besides that, we came through the period without him pretty well. That was pretty impressive.
“But how he was before he left, he was super influential on the pitch.
"He gave us an opportunity in a lot of moments to really involve and introduce a lot of offensive players because his protection was just exceptional, his playing side of the game as well.
“It’s his birthday today and turns 31. He looks good since he’s come back. With all the problems we have in the moment with players, it’s super important to have him back.”
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