Wataru Endo reveals why he wears a gumshield when playing for Liverpool.

Wataru Endo joined Liverpool from Stuttgart in the summer transfer window for €18 million (£15.4 million), and supporters were quick to note he wears a mouthpiece during games.

Wataru Endo says wearing a gumshield helps him “look like a fighter,” explaining how he got the odd protective gadget after visiting with a Japanese dentist.

Endo joined Liverpool in the summer transfer window for €18 million (£15.4 million) from Stuttgart, and supporters were quick to discover he wears a mouthpiece during matches, which is typical in rugby but not in football.

Endo told Sky Sports about why he wears the gumshield: “When I was in Germany, I met a Japanese dentist.” He told me that putting [in] a mouthpiece changes the sound. Concerning performance.

“But now I just put [it in] to protect my teeth.” It also appears to be a warrior. So when I get into the pitch, I just put on the mouthpiece and say, ‘Game on.'”

Endo was brought in to fill the vacuum left by Fabinho, but he failed to establish himself as a permanent member of Jurgen Klopp’s squad at first.

However, the Japan international, who has scored twice for the Reds this season in all competitions, has started all three of Liverpool’s previous three games.

“Yes, it’s harder than I thought,” he accepted earlier this month, “but I’m very happy to be here.” Physically, it’s fast, so it’s difficult to adapt, but it’s the Premier League, so I’ll keep trying and playing, and I’ll get better.

“I’m already 30 years old, but I believe I still have room to grow as a football player, so I’m thrilled to be here and eager to learn.”

“When I arrived, I spoke with the manager about how Liverpool plays.” After that, I just try to do that, and he talks about it a lot with me.

“I try to help Liverpool play every time, and I always watch what they do from the bench.” I believe it is vital, and I am getting better at it.”