Harry Redknapp names Liverpool star as signing of the season

Former Premier League manager Harry Redknapp has hailed the performances of Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo, even suggesting him as 'the signing of the season'.

Endo famously joined Liverpool from Stuttgart during last summer and was seen as a left-field transfer for the Reds.

The Japan captain, though well regarded for his performances in Germany, had already turned 30 and had spent much of career his at the lower end of the Bundesliga rather than chasing honours.

His £16m signing appeared even more unusual as it came after the Reds had suffered a very public failure in their attempts to land Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, who both ended up at Chelsea for big money.

However, while the two new Chelsea stars have struggled this season, Endo has gone from strength to strength for Liverpool.

The tenacious and tireless No. 3 has shone for the Reds as they chase success on four fronts, often out-performing much higher-profile and more expensive defensive midfielders.

Endon was named as Liverpool's Player of the Match in the 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Sunday, while his dogged display against the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and Rodri impressed Redknapp.

“Endo might just be the signing of the season,” the 77-year-old former Tottenham and Portsmouth manager told BetVictor.

“I thought he was brilliant against Manchester City, this boy just never stops running! He looks like he’s been in this side for years. Every credit to the Liverpool scouts for finding this lad and taking a chance on him and every credit to him for making the most of it. It just shows that there’s still some bargains out there, you’ve just got to have an eye for a player.”

'World class'

Redknapp's sentiments were shared by Jurgen Klopp after the City game, who admitted he was surprised that the former Sint-Truiden star had become 'world class'.

“What can you expect? That you sign a 30-year-old captain of Japan and he will be a standout player in the Premier League?” he said to BBC Sport.

“That he would be a good player, we knew, but what he’s making of that role, together with Macca, or then with Dom or then with Harvey – by the way, what a game he played…

“You never know that people can develop to world class, but that’s what happened.”

Endo has made 31 appearances for Liverpool already this season, scoring twice and registering one assist to date.