Japan

Wataru Endo: Japan’s Midfield Leader in the Premier League

"To play in the Premier League is my dream, so I'm really enjoying playing football as a Liverpool player."

Martin Pace

16 Feb 2025 — 3 min read

Key words

Catch someone's attention: to make someone notice you

The young midfielder’s skills caught the coach’s attention during the trial.

Prove yourself: to show your ability, skill, or worth through actions

The new signing worked hard in training to prove himself to the manager.

Physicality: the quality of being physically strong, active, or aggressive, especially in sports

The defender’s physicality made him a tough opponent to beat in one-on-one duels.

Read the game: to understand and anticipate the flow of play in a match

His ability to read the game helped him make crucial interceptions.

Intercept: to stop and take control of something, especially a ball in sports, before it reaches its target

The defender intercepted the pass and started a quick counterattack.

Comprehension Questions

Which Japanese club did Wataru Endo start his professional career with?
In which year did Endo join Liverpool?
What position does Endo play on the field, and what are his main responsibilities?
Why is Endo considered an important player for both Liverpool and the Japanese national team?

Early Career and Move to Europe

Wataru Endo is a Japanese footballer who plays as a midfielder for Liverpool in the English Premier League. Born in 1993, Endo began his professional career in Japan with Shonan Bellmare. His strong defensive skills and leadership qualities soon caught the attention of bigger clubs. In 2018, he moved to Europe, joining Sint-Truiden in Belgium.

After proving himself in Belgium, Endo transferred to VfB Stuttgart in Germany’s Bundesliga in 2020. He quickly became a key player, helping Stuttgart stay competitive in one of Europe’s top leagues. His consistent performances earned him a move to one of the world’s biggest clubs—Liverpool—in 2023.

Success at Liverpool

Joining Liverpool was a huge step in Endo’s career. The Premier League is known for its fast pace and physicality, but Endo adapted quickly. As a defensive midfielder, he helps protect Liverpool’s defense and control the game from the middle of the pitch.

One of Endo’s biggest strengths is his ability to read the game. He is excellent at intercepting passes, tackling opponents, and making smart decisions under pressure. These qualities have made him a valuable player for Liverpool, especially in difficult matches.

Captain of the Japanese National Team

Endo is not only a key player for Liverpool but also the captain of the Japanese national team. He has led Japan in major international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and the AFC Asian Cup. His leadership, experience, and calm presence on the field make him an inspiration for younger players.

Endo’s journey from Japan to the Premier League shows that hard work and determination can lead to success. He has proven that Japanese players can compete at the highest level of football. His performances continue to inspire young footballers in Japan who dream of playing in Europe.

As Endo continues his career with Liverpool, fans around the world are excited to see what he will achieve next. Will he help Liverpool win more trophies? One thing is certain—Wataru Endo is a player to watch!

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Discussion questions

Do you have any questions about the vocabulary or grammar in this article?
What qualities make Wataru Endo a successful footballer? Which of these qualities do you think are most important?
How do you think moving to Europe helped Endo improve as a player?
Why do you think leadership is important in football? What makes a good team captain?
Do you think more Japanese players will succeed in the Premier League in the future? Why or why not?
If you could ask Wataru Endo one question about his career, what would it be and why?