A German scored the first Liverpool goal of Jurgen Klopp’s reign, with Emre Can netting against Rubin Kazan in the Europa League on Thursday evening.
The versatile 21-year-old had been part of Brendan Rodgers’ back-three for the majority of this season, but has been given his favoured central midfield role in Klopp’s opening two matches, and last night, he was one of the most impressive players on the pitch.
But the new boss suggests that Can’s start doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be used as a central midfielder automatically from here on in.
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“Do you think I should make decisions for the next four years? I think he is a midfield player but he can play in a number of positions and that’s the good thing for Emre,” Klopp told the post-match press conference, reported in the Echo.
“I don’t know who will play on Sunday but I hope he can play and then we will think about this.
“I’ve known him for some years and he’s a midfield player but he can play in a role with three and in the German national team he played full-back, give him some time and he can play this, but he’s a young guy and for most of his life he played in midfield.”
With Jordan Henderson injured and James Milner flattering to deceive, Can’s actually vital as a central midfielder right now. Lucas provides steely defensive discipline alongside him, but Can’s ability to drive through the middle can help transition defence to attack.
The youngster stated at the start of the season that he wanted to add goals to his game (via Evening Standard), and his first of the season, along with a role in the middle, will hopefully bolster his chances of adding to that tally consistently.