Wataru Endo has quietly become one of Liverpool's unsung heroes

Wataru Endo has turned into one of the unlikely heroes of Liverpool’s season.

After a shaky start following his arrival from the Bundesliga in the summer, he has become a regular in the Jurgen Klopp’s side, with Klopp regularly stating just how much of an impact he has made.

In the 11 Premier League games that he has started, Liverpool have won nine and drawn two and with an injury crisis at Anfield, the Japanese international looks set to feature in Sunday’s EFL Cup Final against Chelsea, where he insists that victory at Wembley would give Liverpool ‘extra energy for the challenges ahead.’

'If we could win this first one I think it would have a really positive impact on the other competitions we're competing in,’ said Endo. ‘Winning at Wembley would mean a lot to me. It would be my first title with Liverpool. I'm very excited.

The 31-year-old initially struggled with the tempo of the Premier League but week by week, he has adapted and become somewhat of a talisman as Liverpool compete on all four fronts. He was voted Liverpool’s Player of the Month in December and Klopp even declared him as ‘one of the hardest-working people I’ve ever met.’

‘It's hard to play for Liverpool. There's always a lot of pressure,’ Endo admitted.

‘Playing in the Premier League is tough but it’s something I wanted for a long time and I try enjoy it and do my best every time. I feel like I've developed over the course of the season and that has helped to give me confidence.’

The midfielder has become a fan favourite on the Kop and also praised the Liverpool supporters for helping him settle.

‘They have been amazing to me. The atmosphere was crazy in the second half against Luton,’ he said. ‘It helps us so much as a team and I am happy to play with