Wataru Endo wears a mouthguard in every game and it's not just to protect his teeth

Wataru Endo has explained why he wears a mouthguard, revealing it's not just to protect his teeth.

The Japanese midfielder joined Liverpool last summer following a stellar spell in Germany with Stuttgart.

He's played 21 games in all competitions since moving to Anfield, scoring two goals - including a crucial strike against Fulham at the start of the month.

Endo has become synonymous with wearing a mouthguard during matches on the pitch.

And, according to the man himself, the equipment is not just to protect his teeth.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Endo says he was told to wear a mouthguard by a Japanese dentist whilst in Germany and explains it helps him to click into game-mode.

Wataru Endo explains why he wears a gum shield during matches! 🦷🛡️ pic.twitter.com/TKgJIQYWdQ

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 23, 2023

The Liverpool man also went in-depth on why he wears a mouthguard in his autobiography.

In his book, he wrote: "From the 2020/21 season, I started wearing a mouthguard while playing. Now, it's become so important to me that I can say that I'm afraid to play soccer without it."

Endo added: "I first started using it when I met a dentist named Jun Miyagawa who lives in Germany. Mr. Miyagawa explained to me that: 'Even monkeys have beautiful teeth, it's only humans who get their teeth loose,' and that 'Resetting the jaw joint to its proper position will improve both the mind and body.'

"The most important point of a mouthpiece is to protect your teeth. Soccer is a contact sport, and although it is not as common as rugby or American football, it is possible for teeth to break due to impact, it happens often.

"My first goal was to prevent that. So in my case, I don't just wear it on my upper jaw like many athletes, but I wear it on my lower jaw."

Endo has started Liverpool's last five games, having come off the bench to score against Fulham in their 4-3 victory at Anfield.