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Wataru Endo admitted to feeling “not completely satisfied” after making his return for Japan, with the midfielder’s role at Liverpool now seemingly being reflected on the international stage.
Endo started for his country for the first time since September 7, having not featured in Japan’s last four games. The 32-year-old donned the captain’s armband and played the full 90 minutes in a 3-0 friendly win over Bolivia in Tokyo.
It’s only the fourth time this season that Endo has started a game for club or country, having made just seven appearances in total for Liverpool so far this season. He has been a peripheral figure for much of Arne Slot’s time in charge, but now he is starting to see his opportunities become more limited for his country as well.
Endo missed the October international break through injury, although he has also been left on the bench for recent friendlies against the United States and Ghana, with his start against Bolivia the first appearance he has made in Japan’s last five games.
With the World Cup coming up next summer, Endo will be expected to make his nation’s squad for the tournament, although his place in the side looks far from assured now, and his role back at Anfield might not help his cause.
Speaking after the game against Bolivia (as per Soccer King), Endo told reporters: "I haven't played many games, but I played with the feeling that I had to perform at a high level.
“I was conscious of organizing the whole team well and how to defend in difficult situations.
“And as for today, it was [Hajime Moriyasu’s] 100th game as manager, so I’m glad we were able to end it with a win.”
Endo added: "It was a milestone match, so I think it was good that we won.
"But I'm not completely satisfied, so first I'll go back to my club and do my best so that I can meet you again in March with a good face."
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Endo will return to Liverpool in the coming days ahead of the Reds’ return to Premier League action against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
With Slot’s side having been knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Crystal Palace last month though, the midfielder might find his opportunities harder to come by at club level - the competition provided him with his only starts for Liverpool so far this season.
Despite his lack of game time, Endo has previously batted away suggestions he could look to leave Liverpool, having insisted during the summer he’s happy to stay at the club.
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