Emre Can’s shown some real promise recently, but he won’t be resting on his laurels following comments made by Jurgen Klopp in the pre-Newcastle press-conference, reported by the Echo.
Can is banned for the trip to St. James’s Park due to a needless booking picked up in the 6-1 thrashing of Southampton on Wednesday.
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His manager is aware of his talent and described him as a ‘pretty good player’ – but said he’s by no means the finished article and needs to learn.
“Emre is like the whole team, he is in a good way,” Klopp began, when asked about the youngster’s impressive recent form.
“The big difference is he’s very young. He’s 21, but he doesn’t look like it! Sometimes in his game he looks 18, that’s the truth!
“He speaks the same language as me, so I can talk more to him. That’s a problem for him!
“He’s a pretty good player and I like working with him. He’s not available Sunday, but it should not be the biggest problem. We have other quality players.
“Emre, like every young player with big talent, they have to learn.”
Jurgen Klopp is full of praise for Emre Can, but claims he sometimes plays like an 18-year-old! @empireofthekop https://t.co/YHFzQXuF76
— Jordan Chamberlain (@Jordan_AC90) December 4, 2015
Can’s assist for Sturridge sent the internet into overdrive midweek, and he’ll undoubtedly be a miss against Steve McLaren’s struggling side.
Whether Klopp will admit it or not, the player’s come on leaps and bounds since his arrival – mainly because he’s using him in central midfield. And while the manager admitted this was his best position, he saluted Can’s versatility and claims it’s simply best for youngsters to play – regardless of their favourite role.
“Even Brendan thought his best position was centre midfield,” Klopp continued.
“It’s more important for a young player to play, not necessarily in his best position.
“For Germany, he plays full back. You have to play different positions. We’ve never discussed it, but its been very good that he has played in midfield and improved his game. Everything is ok.”