Emre Can given a new permanent position by Jurgen Klopp

Posted by

Emre Can was one of the first names on the team-sheet last season as an anchoring midfielder, which seemed very much his natural position.

However, according to the young German, he’s been asked to move forward and learn the ‘no.8’ role instead of the traditional no.6 – now occupied by skipper Jordan Henderson.
Last night against Manchester United, Can played in Gini Wijnaldum’s usual position as a box-to-box midfielder, with the Dutchman unavailable due to a hamstring injury picked up on international duty.

“That was my first 90 minutes for five months so I am very happy I started,” Can said after the game, reported in the Echo.

“I need to get my fitness and confidence back.

“I played last year as the No 6, now I play as the No 8 and can go a bit further forward. My target is to score more goals and give more assists.

“We trained for four or five days all together after the internationals so we were fit and ready for the game. We just couldn’t find a way through.”

Can had some good moments, such as his bursting run and shot in the second-half, but also some sloppier ones – like when he failed a nutmeg attempt on Marouane Fellaini and United broke away…

He’s monstrously talented, but looked a little rusty yesterday evening, but his touch will return in time.

It’s interesting that Klopp’s decided to move him forward, actually. Can’s physically stronger than Henderson, but lacks as impressive a final delivery – so he’ll need to hone this side of the game if he’s to become a first-team regular again.

More Stories Emre Can