A year on from his move from Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool midfielder Emre Can has been discussing the differences between plying his trade in Germany and England – highlighting the challenges the Premier League presents.
The 21-year-old, who also played for Bayern Munich before joining Leverkusen in 2013, has made a solid start to life in England – spending much of his first season in defence before transitioning into his more natural role this year.
He’s become known as a physical and powerful presence in our team, someone who is adept at running with the ball and taking people on, as well as tracking back and protecting the back four.
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And now, having earned his first call up to the German national team squad, the popular midfielder has been discussing the impact playing in the Premier League has had on his development.
“In England the football is a lot faster than when you play in Germany,” he said, in quotes taken by the Echo. “When you get the ball here there is instantly a player from the other team there, pressing you and challenging you.
“That makes it a lot hard when you are in possession. English football is also physically tougher than football in Germany.
“One thing that is different is that you have more time on the ball in training sessions in Germany whereas here, because of the nature of opponents putting you under pressure as soon as you get the ball, the training sessions are quicker. That has helped me to adapt and take on board the different style of play.”
Can is currently competing for a midfield berth in the Liverpool side along with captain Jordan Henderson, new signing James Milner, Joe Allen and Lucas Leiva. He started the season on the bench but has made Brendan Rodgers’ side for each of the last two games – impressing during the goalless draw with Arsenal.
He, like many of our players, under-performed against West Ham last time out, but will surely be confident of putting that right next time out, when the Reds take on Manchester United at Old Trafford.