OPINION: Jürgen Klopp can find ‘wildcard’ Andy Robertson fix with Liverpool tweak to unlock past transfer

With Liverpool’s defense weaker for Andy Robertson’s injury, Jürgen Klopp should consider a different midfielder to come in from the start rather than off the bench.

Jürgen Klopp has mainly used Wataru Endō as a rotation option rather than from the start in the bigger games.
Jürgen Klopp has mainly used Wataru Endō as a rotation option rather than from the start in the bigger games.

The Liverpool rebuild has removed its long overdue scaffolding, dusted off the fresh brickwork and is now in full working condition as a plethora of options sit in front of Jürgen Klopp ahead of each fixture. These options have given the side — as well as fans — a breath of fresh air that has transformed an awkward, tired-looking squad into something that looks like it could be ready to challenge for trophies again.

However, much like any team that is deemed to be on the rise, there are speed bumps along the way that give the team a hiccup when deciding who will start each game, in which three points are now more vital than ever before if chasing the title is the objective this year. The setback this time is the injury to Andy Robertson, a defender with perhaps more experience than anyone in the current side, who is now sadly set for a spell on the sidelines.

Much analysis has been carried out on the replacement for Robertson: the Greek captain, Kostas Tsimikas, or his defensive counterparts Joël Matip and Joe Gomez. Each will play a part in filling the gaping hole Robertson has left behind. However, what seems to be largely ignored is the cover ahead of that position, the cover vital for protecting and insulating the defense as much as possible.

Midfielders come in all shapes and sizes; Liverpool’s rebuild in recent months has shown that more clearly than ever. The likes of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister are ball-winning, technical midfielders who can drive a game in any direction they like.

This contrasts with Ryan Gravenberch who is seen as an underrated off-the-ball presence who can intercept as well as bring an array of intelligence to the game, which many recognized against Everton on Saturday. There is one midfielder many forget about, however, in Wataru Endō. The Japanese international was certainly a wildcard signing in the summer but he has some good qualities.

This was recently evident by his recent performances in Japan’s 4-1 victory over Canada and 2-0 win over Tunisia, in which his dominance, strength and interceptive genius were on full parade throughout his impressive appearances.

Despite being bought at the last minute after deals for Moisés Caicedo and Roméo Lavia fell through, Endō was not a snap signing like many thought he was. The club’s interim sporting director Jörg Schmadtke has plenty of knowledge about the German Bundesliga and would have kept an eye on the experienced midfielder long enough to know he was perfect for a move to Merseyside.