Reaction to Emre Can’s disappointing performance against Southampton can be seen to recognise the high expectations Liverpool fans have of him.
The 23-year-old put in a lacklustre display during Wednesday’s League Cup semi-final first leg defeat and was heavily and perhaps harshly criticised across social media.
He wasn’t the only one to endure a tough night but the German’s apparent lack of consistency and progress is understandably frustrating.
Former Red Jan Molby has suggested that Can needs to adapt to Jurgen Klopp’s style of play in order to fit into this team.
In his column for the Liverpool Echo, he said: “When he came to Anfield, probably the first thing that impressed people with Emre Can was his ability to carry the ball, 60 or 70 metres.”
“But we play differently now. We probably need to move the ball a little bit quicker and he hasn’t quite got in that mode yet.”
“He has a tendency to have too many touches, he likes running with the ball so I think it’s a fair criticism to suggest he does slow down our build-up from time to time.”
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Can is capable of being a key player under Klopp but has struggled to kick on from his impressive showings early on under his manager.
His return to the starting lineup earlier this season saw him bag a goal or two in consecutive weeks as he very visibly looked to develop his game. He possesses the power, technique and the energy to be a dominant box to box midfielder yet the slow process in which he controls and moves the ball on is seriously letting him down.
Everything seems so pedestrian with him at the moment which is disappointing when we know he can offer so much more. It is all about playing with more urgency for him right now.