Wataru Endo is not only father to four children, he is also the first Japanese player to be directly involved in four goals in a single Bundesliga game after registering two goals and two assists against FC Schalke 04 on Saturday. “It’s the first time I’ve been able to score two goals and make two assists in a game,” the 28-year-old said on Tuesday.
“My son didn’t watch our match on this occasion – just when I happen to score,” Endo added with a grin. “When he came home he was happy and said, ‘Daddy, you scored!’”
Standout performer
VfB’s tireless defensive midfielder, who has only missed one game through suspension and only been substituted once since making his full debut in a victory against regional rivals Karlsruhe in November 2019, has blossomed into one of the Bundesliga’s hardest-working and most uncompromising players this season.
Despite demonstrating an unlikely eye for goal at the weekend, Endo has not lost sight of his main role at VfB. “I normally work very hard defensively in particular,” he said. “Of course I try my luck in attack as well, but I’ve never exactly been prolific until now.”