Arne Slot has confirmed the Liverpool player who will start against Brighton, who has impressed in cameo appearances…

Arne Slot has revealed that a Liverpool starter for the match against Brighton has caught attention with his impressive performances off the bench.

The confirmation of a Liverpool starter for the Brighton match comes from Arne Slot, who has recognized their impressive contributions off the bench.

Arne Slot has confirmed that Wataru Endo will be a starter for Liverpool in their Carabao Cup match against Brighton & Hove Albion, following his impressive performances in previous appearances.

This evening, two of Japan’s most prominent international players will face off on the South Coast.

Endo’s inclusion in the starting lineup for Liverpool, while Kaoru Mitoma is likely to remain on the bench for Brighton, highlights the contrasting trajectories of their respective Premier League seasons.

The match will take place at the Amex Stadium as part of the League Cup’s fourth round, marking the first of two encounters between the teams this week, with a Premier League clash scheduled at Anfield on Saturday.

Mitoma, known for being a significant threat in matches against Liverpool, was not needed in Brighton’s earlier victories over Crawley Town and Wolves in the competition.

In contrast, Endo’s only start for Liverpool this season occurred during a dominant 5-1 victory against West Ham United in the last round.

Despite the absence of Harvey Elliott, who is currently sidelined, the emergence of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Curtis Jones as key midfield options has limited opportunities for the 31-year-old Endo.

Endo has previously indicated that he has no intention of leaving Liverpool in January, expressing confidence that he will receive more playing time as the season progresses.

Reds head coach Arne Slot acknowledges the challenge of keeping players like Endo, Joe Gomez, and Jarell Quansah satisfied, as they are all vying for starting positions.

“It is not always easy because they all want to play – and it would be strange for me if they are all happy when they don’t play,” Slot remarked.

“But they are professionals; they understand that these situations can arise, and they recognize that the players in their positions are performing well.”

I believe Wata is likely to be included in the line-up for the match against Brighton, as the season is expected to be lengthy and his contributions will be essential. It is important for him to receive playing time periodically.

Aside from the League Cup match, Endo has only participated in four substitute appearances for Liverpool this season, all of which occurred late in the games, with no earlier than the 88th minute.

Nonetheless, his recent performances in away matches against Crystal Palace and Arsenal have highlighted his capability to quickly adapt and enhance the defensive midfield.

“While he is gaining valuable experience with the national team, it is beneficial for him to have opportunities to play with us as well,” Slot remarks.

“I was impressed with his performance against West Ham. What I particularly admire about him is his character; he has come on twice just five minutes before the final whistle. In my experience as a manager, I have seen players who enter under such circumstances display a lack of enthusiasm.

“However, whenever we require his assistance—even if it’s just for a few minutes—he consistently steps up for the team, his teammates, and himself. For that reason, he deserves to be on the pitch tomorrow.”

Endo and his teammates will be hoping for a repeat of history this evening. The last time Liverpool faced Brighton in the League Cup, they secured a 2-1 victory on their way to winning the tournament in the 2011/12 season.