6 months ago
146 BBC pundit Dion Dublin has claimed that one Liverpool player was the ‘difference’ for Jurgen Klopp’s side against Tottenham today.
Liverpool got back to winning ways with a 4-2 victory over Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday.
Jurgen Klopp’s men completely outplayed Spurs for 60 minutes, with Mohamed Salah getting back amongst the goals in the first half to open the scoring.
Andy Robertson deservedly doubled Liverpool’s lead on the stroke of halftime and the Reds came out firing once again at the start of the second half.
Cody Gakpo’s headed effort was followed by a stunner from Harvey Elliott and Liverpool were cruising at 4-0 up on the hour mark.
But it proved to be a slightly nervy ending for Liverpool after both managers made changes following Elliott’s effort.
Dublin amazed by Liverpool player vs Tottenham
Ange Postecoglou decided he’d seen enough after Liverpool’s fourth and introduced James Maddison, Richarlison and Oliver Skipp.
The changes certainly helped Spurs get back into the game but it was arguably Klopp’s changes which led to a difficult 30 minutes.
Indeed, Stefan Bajcetic replaced Wataru Endo, who had been exceptional at the base of midfield.
His performance in the first half led to praise from Dion Dublin, who feels the Japanese midfielder was key to Liverpool’s success in the game.
“Endo has been absolutely excellent, excellent in there,” the pundit told BBC Radio 5 Live [05/05 5:19 pm].
“He hasn’t moved at all. He has left Mac Allister and Elliott do what they want to do, Endo has been so disciplined and marshalled the midfield.
“And that has been the difference for me, letting those five or six forward players do what they have got to do and still be in a good shape when they lose the ball.”
Endo continues to impress at Liverpool
Endo has proven to be an inspired signing for Liverpool after being snapped up for just £16.2 million last summer.
The 31-year-old has added real bite to Klopp’s midfield and he was a standout performer once again today.
His absence was certainly felt after he was replaced, with Liverpool proving easier to play through from Spurs’ point of view.
It led to a couple of consolation goals from Richarlison and Heung-min Son but fortunately for Liverpool, it proved to be too little too late for Postecoglou’s side.
Endo was widely viewed as a stop-gap signing after the club missed out on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia. But after an incredible debut season in England, he could yet play an important role under incoming boss Arne Slot.
