Wataru Endo names position Liverpool must strengthen during summer window | OneFootball

Wataru Endo admits Liverpool should look to sign a new defensive midfielder this summer, insisting he is ready for any extra competition a new signing may bring.

Endo, himself a defensive midfielder, was a surprise signing from Stuttgart last summer, but the 31-year-old enjoyed a solid debut campaign at Anfield, with 20 of his 29 Premier League apparances coming as a starter.

Reports suggest Liverpool are in the market for another midfield anchor, also known as a number 6, this summer under new boss Arne Slot, and an honest Endo confessed the Reds would be wise to think about replacing him.

"I don't care about those reports, but I also think it would be best to get a number 6 in midfield," Endo confessed to ABEMA Sports Time in Japan.

"I think there's a question of whether they see the current number 10, Alexis Mac Allister, as a number 6 or an anchor. At the moment, there aren't many number 6s in the first place.

Endo & Mac Allister shared the role last season / Sebastian Frej/MB Media/GettyImages

"I had the most opportunities to play, and Mac Allister also played that role. We had Thiago Alcantara, be he had a lot of injuries and is set to leave the club at the end of the season. We also have a young Spanish player [Stefan Bajcetic], but it is still unclear whether he will be an immediate asset to the first team.

"Taking my age into account, I don't think it would be a problem to get a new number 6. If it makes the team stronger in the end, I'm happy about it. There will be competition, and I'll just have to earn my place. I'm not too worried. I actually think it would be a good idea to get one!"

Liverpool will welcome 21-year-old Tyler Morton back from his impressive loan spell with Hull City this summer and the academy graduate is expected to be given the chance to impress Slot during pre-season.

The Athletic note that Morton has attracted significant transfer interest, with RB Leipzig, Sevilla, Feyenoord and Eintracht Frankfurt all keen on the £20m-rated midfielder, but Morton's current focus is on making a good impression on Slot.