Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo has urged Arne Slot to sign a new No.6 - less than 12 months after he was signed to play the same role by Jurgen Klopp.
The Japan international, 31, was a left-field signing by the Reds last summer, joining from VfB Stuttgart in a £16.2m switch. Endo was targeted by Klopp after Liverpool missed out on deals for Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.
Endo made 43 appearances in total last season and earned rave reviews for his performances after finding his feet in the Premier League. However, the veteran would like to see Liverpool bolster their options in midfield by signing another No.6 - even if that means his game time suffers as a result.
“I don't care about those reports, but I also think it would be better to get the number six midfielder,” he quipped to ABEMA Sports Time, as quoted by MSN.
“I think there is a possibility that they are viewing a number 10 player [Alexis] Mac Allister as a number six/anchor, but at the moment there aren't many number six players to begin with.
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“I had the most opportunities to play, and so did Mac Allister. We also had Thiago Alcantara, but he had a lot of injuries and is set to leave the club at the end of this season. We also have [ Stefan Bajcetic ] but it's still unclear as to whether he will be able to contribute immediately.
“Considering my age, I think it might be okay for me to get the number six. But if it ultimately makes the team stronger then I'm all for it, because there will be competition and I just have to win my position again. So I'm not really worried about it, and in fact I think it might be okay if I win.”
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New Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has yet to make his first signing since succeeding Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)Liverpool are expecting to be active in terms of both incomings and outgoings in the coming months. A number of players have already been linked with the Reds including Joshua Kimmich and Adrien Rabiot.
While there have been no indications that any potential deals are on the horizon, Slot revealed last week that he has been in constant contact with Liverpool's new sporting director, Richard Hughes, about preparations for the new season.
Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com, he explained: “I think now is a good moment to arrive here and talk to you, but let's be clear: I don't start today, I've been in a lot of contact with staff members already – from people who are working here to the new staff members that are coming in – and, of course, almost every day Richard [Hughes] and me are calling each other because we have to talk. This is also a very important phase for the new season, to make sure the team is ready, and we have to play in the pre-season.”
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