Fixture Congestion Will Allow Chances For Tyler Morton and Wataru Endo
With Liverpool FC facing a grueling fixture list from mid-September through early November, both Tyler Morton and Wataru Endo, who were rumoured to be on the transfer list this summer, might find themselves in crucial roles despite being lower in the midfield pecking order. Liverpool’s packed schedule, which includes 14 games in 44 days, necessitates squad depth. This may offer Morton and Endo the opportunities they need to prove their worth. It seems impossible to imagine they won’t get some minutes in some competitions.
Liverpool’s Fixture List Paves the Way
The demanding nature of Liverpool’s upcoming schedule, highlighted by the fact that from September 14 to November 9, the team will play 14 games in 44 days, cannot be overstated. This hectic period, compounded by the international break that follows shortly after, means players will need to be rotated frequently to avoid fatigue and injuries. The busiest Christmas periods have four weeks in which big clubs play every 3.2 days or so, but Liverpool’s upcoming stretch is even more intense. With this in mind, it’s clear that Jürgen Klopp will need to rely on more than just his starting XI to navigate this challenging period successfully. This opens the door for both Morton and Endo to make their mark.
Tyler Morton’s Championship Experience
Tyler Morton, who was heavily linked with a move to Bayer Leverkusen, has shown himself to be a capable midfielder. According to CIES Football Observatory, Morton had a ball retention rate of 86.9% under high pressure last season, placing him among the top U21 press-resistant midfielders in the world. Only Barcelona’s Gavi (87.1%) and PSG’s Warren Zaïre-Emery (87.1%) ranked higher.
Morton spent the last season on loan at Hull, where he played a full campaign at the Championship level. His experience in a physically demanding league like the Championship, where he showcased his composure under pressure, makes him an interesting option for Klopp, especially when squad rotation becomes essential. Although Leverkusen seemed like a strong possibility for the young midfielder, talks eventually broke down, ensuring Morton remains at Anfield for at least the first half of the season. How he adapts to the rigours of the Premier League after his Championship stint will be fascinating to watch.
Wataru Endo’s Determination to Break Into the First Team
Wataru Endo, who was also reportedly available for transfer, has made it clear that he intends to fight for his place at Liverpool. Endo stated, “I’ll work hard in practice so that I can increase my playing time from now on. There are a lot of matches and of course my goal is to break into that group, and since titles are won by everyone, I’ll fight hard as a part of it.”
Endo’s mentality will be crucial as Liverpool navigate their packed schedule. His experience and versatility could make him a valuable asset, particularly when injuries or fatigue strike Klopp’s preferred starters. The fact that Endo is determined to increase his minutes suggests he is ready to take advantage of any opportunities that come his way. It’s clear that Slot doesn’t fancy him, but he’ll have to turn to him.
Morton and Endo: From Fringe to Essential?
As Liverpool approach one of the most challenging phases of their season, the roles of Morton and Endo could shift dramatically. Both players have the potential to make significant contributions during this period, moving from being fringe players to essential components of the squad. With the sheer volume of games on the horizon, Morton’s press resistance and Championship experience, combined with Endo’s determination and versatility, may see them feature more prominently than many might expect. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how both players seize the opportunities presented by Liverpool’s demanding schedule. Let’s hope both Morton and Endo take their chance, as their performances could have a significant impact on Liverpool’s season.
