Liverpool’s transfer window has been full of big-money moves and a constant yearn for more, but one decision made by the club has quietly gone under the radar this summer.The decision to keep Wataru Endo at Liverpool may not make headlines. However, for a squad with a large turnover of players this window, having such an experienced professional around is a must.Another player who fulfilled a similar squad role, as a defensive midfielder towards the end of his time at Liverpool, was Lucas Leiva. The Brazilian played 346 times for the Reds from 2007 to 2017.He told This Is Anfield: “I think Endo has played a big part for two seasons. Last year, of course, he played less. “I’m not inside the team and I don’t know, but I’m sure what a professional he is and his mentality has shown that he deserves all the success.“Of course, last year he got less game time, but you could see that when he came on, he always played a big role.”After signing from Stuttgart for £16.2 million in the summer of 2023, Endo started 34 games and came off the bench on nine occasions as he did an excellent job of policing Liverpool’s defensive midfield.Having been signed following the failed pursuit of Moises Caicedo, Endo wasn’t the holding midfielder fans expected, but he has been a player they have grown to love.“He is what good teams are about,” added Lucas.“You know, it is not just the ones that play every game, play every minute, but the ones that maybe play less but play a big role.“I really enjoy watching him play because he is a great player. He is [in the] national team from Japan and a fantastic guy, I’m sure of that.”Following Endo’s successful first campaign, in which he played a heroic part to win the Carabao Cup surrounded by youngsters, he played far less under new coach Arne Slot.Last season he only started seven matches, with just one coming in the Premier League. However he did become a regular presence in the latter part of matches, making 25 appearances as a substitute.Such was his calming impact from the bench in closing out results it became a running joke that, when he was called upon by Slot, that was curtains for the opposition.His quality and maturity in seeing out games are attributes Slot clearly appreciates, with Liverpool choosing to keep him rather than sell the 32-year-old, who has two years left on his contract.Endo is currently on the Reds’ pre-season tour, which has taken them to Hong Kong then to his native Japan, where he captains his national team.Speaking about the importance of the trip for new signings, Lucas said: “I think it’s the best time of the season where they can get the vibe inside the team, understand the way that the manager wants them to play, get the fitness and understand how big the club is.“I think it’s really important. I think it’s something that the club itself does really well.“They try to make them feel as comfortable as they can, just to adapt and settle in as quick as they can, because it’s a long season ahead of them.“And when you start the games, of course you don’t have as much time as they have here to integrate, to understand and, especially, to have the feeling that they become to a really good family.”While his transfer fee and relative fame may not compare to Liverpool’s biggest names, Endo plays a key role in Liverpool’s squad and his fellow professionals appreciate him more than most.* You can follow all Liverpool’s pre-season friendlies live with All Red Video, the new video offering from the club that replaces LFCTV. Purchase All Red Video here.