Michael Owen points blame again at Liverpool star who is “step down” from last season
Michael Owen was not impressed with the role of one senior player as Liverpool faced off against Union Saint-Gilloise in their final Europa League group stage match
Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen pointed the finger at Wataru Endo as the Reds endured a difficult night against Union Saint-Gilloise in the Europa League.
Jurgen Klopp’s side had already qualified for the knockout stages and the Liverpool boss used the opportunity to give a host of young players an opportunity, with the likes of Ben Doak, Kaide Gordon and Conor Bradley getting a chance to impress.
There were some senior inclusions in the starting line-up, including Endo, who has failed to nail down a regular starting spot since his summer move from Stuttgart.
But Owen was not impressed with the 30-year-old’s role in USG’s second goal, after Jarell Quansah had cancelled out the home side’s opener.
Endo failed to track opponent Cameron Puertas as he made a run forward and the USG star then fired a low drive from outside the box that evaded Caoimhin Kelleher just before the break.
Speaking on TNT Sport, Owen said: “He lets his man run for the second goal, Puertas just gets off the back of him. All of a sudden Konate gets drawn out wide, then Quansah has to come across and it is a domino effect. I think Endo really should have stuck with his man.”
It was one of Endo’s last involvements too with the midifelder withdrawn at the interval alongside Ibrahima Konate, with Joe Gomez and Ryan Gravenberch entering the fray.
It is not the first time Owen has raised eyebrows about Endo’s displays, having previously suggested he has not done enough to become a regular starter under Jurgen Klopp.
Speaking back in November, the former Reds striker said: “I would guess that he’ll be slightly disappointed at the moment. There’s no natural sitting central midfielder really in that Liverpool squad bar him. Yet they’re moving Mac Allister into that position in the big games, So I’d say he’s probably a little bit disappointed he hasn’t made that position his own.
“In that sitting midfield role, it’s probably a step down from Fabinho, who obviously they lost in the summer. I think it’s a position which is up for grabs. He’ll be keen to grab that. He’s not set the world alight so far but he’s done all right.”
Endo did have a strong impact off the bench against Fulham earlier this month, scoring four minutes after coming on. He will hope to be involved when Liverpool face off against Manchester United this weekend.
Joel Matip surgery prompts Liverpool to look at €70million South American alternative
Liverpool eye a move for Leverkusen star Piero Hincapie as Joel Matip replacement
The Reds’ scouting network is in full swing as Liverpool closely monitor the situation of Bayer Leverkusen’s star centre-back Piero Hincapie. The 21-year-old Colombian international has attracted attention from various other clubs, including AC Milan and AS Roma.
Liverpool, alongside RB Leipzig and West Ham also show a lot of interest in the player and are keeping tabs on his future. The young defender’s versatility is a notable point of attraction, as he belongs to the rare breed of left-footed centre-backs who can seamlessly switch to the left-back position, providing tactical flexibility to any team.
What makes this potential move intriguing for Liverpool is not just Hincapie’s current form but also the strategic implications it could have on their defensive lineup. The release clause of £60m is a testament to Leverkusen’s valuation of the player and the competition that Liverpool may face in securing his services. The valuation and interest are per DSport via Fussball Transfers (h/t ECHO).
Liverpool eye a move for Leverkusen star Piero Hincapie as Joel Matip replacement.
In the context of Liverpool’s defensive dynamics, Joel Matip’s situation adds a layer of urgency to the potential pursuit of Hincapie. Matip recently underwent successful surgery for an anterior cruciate ligament injury, and with his contract set to expire in the summer (Transfermarkt), Liverpool must carefully plan for the future of their backline.
Hincapie to the Reds?
If the Hincapie pursuit materialises, Jurgen Klopp could be eyeing a strategic long-term replacement for Matip. The Colombian’s ability to provide cover at both centre-back and left-back positions aligns with Klopp’s preference for versatile players who can seamlessly adapt to different roles within the team.
Liverpool’s success in recent years has been built on astute transfers and strategic planning, and the potential addition of Hincapie certainly fits this narrative. The combination of youth, talent, and tactical flexibility surely makes Hincapie an attractive prospect, and Klopp’s track record in nurturing young talents suggests that he could be the ideal mentor for the promising Colombian.
The Xabi Alonso factor could see Piero Hincapie join Liverpool.
In the broader scheme of things apart from Matip’s situation as well, our centre-back options at the moment include Virgil van Dijk (32), Jarell Quansah (20), Joel Matip (32) and Joe Gomez (26). It is absolutely essential that we reinforce that department in the two upcoming windows.
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As the transfer speculation unfolds, Liverpool supporters will certainly be eager to see how the club navigates the market and whether Hincapie emerges as a key target. With defensive stability being a crucial element of Liverpool’s success in recent years, the pursuit of Hincapie could surely signify a proactive approach to bolstering the backline and preparing for the post-Matip era.
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