Jurgen Klopp names 'absolutely insane' aspect of Wataru Endo performance

Jurgen Klopp reserved special praise for Wataru Endo after Liverpool's 5-1 win over Toulouse.

The Reds ran riot in their third game of the Europa League group phase, keeping up their 100% record in the competition so far at Anfield onThursday night.

30-year-old Endo was among the scorers, claiming Liverpool's second of the game with a fine header in the first half.

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The former Stuttgart captain has not been an immediate hit at Anfield since his £16m summer move.

Seen as something of a left-field transfer, following the failed attempts to sign more high-profile stars Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, Endo has been used sparingly by Klopp so far in 2023/24.

The Japan star has played just 108 minutes of Premier League action this campaign, starting once. However, he has fared better in the cups – making the lineup for all three Europa League fixtures to date, as well as bagging his first assist in the Carabao Cup win over Leicester.

Speaking in his post-match press conference after Thursday's victory, Klopp singled out Endo for his 'incredible' and 'insane' display against Toulouse.

"I like a lot of individual performances but I would like to mention Wataru Endo," the manager said.

"I'm not sure people think that's spectacular or whatever, but the forward passes he played tonight were absolutely incredible and how often he broke lines with one touch was absolutely insane and then he scores a wonderful goal, which helps each player – even a more experienced player. So that's really cool.

"He would have got a similar hug if I would have taken him off."

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Endo's display may give the manager pause for thought ahead of the weekend's Premier League clash.

The Reds take on Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Sunday, and while Alexis Mac Allister has been Klopp's preferred holding midfielder in the league so far, there has been much debate over whether the Argentinian is suited to the more defensive role.