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Liverpool summer signing Wataru Endo has revealed how much he has struggled to get accustomed to the physical levels of the Premier League since his summer switch from Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart.
The Japan international arrived in Merseyside for £12 million from Stuttgart as a replacement for Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, who unexpectedly departed for Saudi Arabia.
However, the 30-year-old has made only two starts in the Premier League since the move and 15 appearances in total. Jurgen Klopp has preferred to deploy fellow summer signing Alexis MacAllister in an unfamiliar defensive midfield role.
Endo admits it is harder than he thought
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The Premier League is arguably the best league in the world, and it is famous for its high intensity, with several players admitting to the physical levels after making the switch from elsewhere.
Endo has joined the list of players who have admitted to the difference in physical levels from other leagues they have played.
“Yes, it’s harder than I thought, but I’m very happy to be here,” he said when asked about his experience of the Premier League since he joined.
“Physically, it’s speedy, so it’s very hard to adapt but it’s the Premier League and I keep trying and keep playing and I’ll get better, he added.
The holding midfielder is ready for the busy schedule ahead
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Most of Endo’s appearances have come in the Carabao Cup and the Europa League, but he could get more opportunities in the Premier League this month due to the busy schedule.
With nine matches to come this month, Klopp is likely going to manage minutes to keep his key players fresh, which means back up players like Endo will get more opportunities.
Speaking of his readiness to play whenever he is called upon, he said, “I’m always ready to play every game, that’s the most important thing. We need all the players so I try to be ready every game and try to win every game."
Liverpool host Fulham in Anfield on Sunday as they look to keep pace with Arsenal and Manchester City at the top end of the Premier League table.
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