'Takehiro Tomiyasu has a glass heart' - Liverpool star Wataru Endo explains his strange description of Arsenal defender and Japan team-mate

At the press release of his book Duel, which includes the tagline: "30 ways of thinking that don’t need correct answers", Endo had been asked which teammate would benefit the most from reading it. The Liverpool midfielder replied, saying that he would like to give the book to the Arsenal defender Tomiyasu because he has a 'glass heart'.

Questioned what he meant by The Times, Endo explained Tomiyasu's perfectionist nature forces him to look for answers to questions that cannot be answered. He said: "Tomiyasu, he is sometimes thinking too much. Like when he gets an injury — it is because he has eaten something, or it’s his car. He always tries to change something. Like superstition.

“I understand that reaction but, actually, don’t think too much. That’s what I always told him: don’t think too much. I think he has the book — but I don’t know if he read it.”

Tomiyasu, after a bright debut season in north London, struggled with injuries and consistency in his second season as he was dislodged at right-back by Benjamin White.

However, perhaps even after reading Endo's book, he has been reinvigorated this season - impressing at both left and right back. The defender earned an assist in the Gunners' win over Wolves, backing up a spectacular cross-field-switch assist for Gabriel Martinelli against RC Lens in midweek. He has impressed so much that he is expected to be offered an improved contract by Arsenal to ward off any potential suitors.

Endo and Tomiyasu have not only played together for Japan, but they were teammates for a season in Belgium for Sint-Truidense. The pair helped their country upset the odds at the 2022 World Cup, earning wins over Spain and Germany to progress from the 'Group of Death'.

Tomiyasu's crucial role in Arsenal's 2-1 victory over Wolves leaves them top of the table five points clear of third-place Liverpool. Endo's Liverpool play their game in hand against Fulham on Sunday hoping to close the gap on the league leaders.