Wataru Endo shines as holders Liverpool reach League Cup semis

Japan midfielder Wataru Endo was voted Liverpool’s man of the match after captaining the holders in a 2-1 English League Cup quarterfinal win away to Southampton on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old nationwide staff skipper fulfilled a singular function of enjoying as a left-sided center-back whereas transferring into midfield when Liverpool have been on the assault, and wore the Reds’ armband after Trent Alexander-Arnold was changed at half-time at St Mary’s.

Darwin Nunez buried a one-on-one to provide the guests a Twenty fourth-minute lead earlier than Endo fed the ball for Coady Gakpo to arrange Harvey Elliott for the second from contained in the field eight minutes later.

Liverpool supervisor Arne Slot singled out Endo, who has but to make a Premier League begin this season, in his post-match press convention.

“If I’ve to provide somebody an enormous praise, it needs to be Wata Endo,” the Dutch tactician mentioned. “As a result of in a special place, enjoying such a very good sport in these circumstances, that reveals you what a top quality participant he’s, however primarily possibly what sort of mentality and persona he has.”

Liverpool’s Wataru Endo (R) vies for the ball throughout an English League Cup quarterfinal in opposition to Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium in Southampton, England, on Dec. 18, 2024. (Kyodo)

Cameron Archer curled dwelling to halve the deficit within the 59th minute, whereas Japan worldwide Yukinari Sugawara got here on for the hosts a minute later and instantly whipped in two harmful crosses that Liverpool managed to maintain out on their method to the victory.

They be a part of Newcastle and Arsenal within the final 4, with Tottenham and Manchester United vying for the remaining semifinal berth on Thursday.

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