Throughout the past season, it was evident how much confidence Brendan Rodgers had in Emre Can. Now, Rodgers has revealed what his first initial meeting with Can entailed: “When I met him I asked him his preferred position, where he sees himself playing and that was as a controlling midfield player and that’s where I’ve always felt he’ll be an outstanding talent for us.”
“When I met Emre and having seen him play in a whole raft of positions his great attribute is that he’s a footballer, he understands the game.”
Rodgers continued speaking highly of the German: “Whatever role he’s asked to play he has this in-built brain for football that allows him to adjust and adapt.”
“I think he can play and operate in any one of the three (midfield) positions.”
Although Can was mostly on the pitch last season as a defender, Rodgers believes he has a future in the midfield, but he hails the German for his versatility: “As you see he can play in the back three, against Newcastle he played as one of the two centre-halves when we played a back four and was comfortable.”
“But I think his passing range, his strength, his power he’s best in midfield and I think once again he’s finding his fitness.”
Can is working on becoming fit after reporting to training late due to his participation in the U21 Euros with Germany. He was brought on in the 63rd minute for Adam Lallana against Stoke last week. Due to his impact upon entrance against Stoke, supporters are calling for Rodgers to insert the German into the starting lineup against Bournemouth.
