Emre Can is only 22-years-old but is already a cornerstone of Liverpool’s side.
The young midfielder, who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen in 2014, established himself as an automatic pick in Jurgen Klopp’s side last term, and is set to continue in a pivotal central role in 2016/17…
Asked if he enjoyed the responsibility of leadership, Can agreed – telling fans he’s keen to push on to the next level this coming campaign.
SEE MORE:
Shocking Liverpool news; Benteke could be involved in 1st deal of its type for 24 years
“Yes of course. I have played a lot of games for Liverpool now and know I am still young but I have to show it on the pitch now,” He told the Echo.
“I can say I am a leader but you have to show it. Of course we have other leaders like Hendo or Milner. We all want to do it.
“I am like that. I want to be the one pushing the team on of course. As I said I want to show that to everyone.
“I have played plenty of games, I have played in the semi of the Euros and I am confident enough to say I want to go for it, I want to push the team on.”
Can was then asked about Liverpool’s legendary former captain Steven Gerrard, who he played under during the ex-skipper’s final season in England. Cleverly, Can said he’s not yet at Gerrard’s level, and that he wants to progress at his own level.
“That’s of course a big, big honour,” he continued. “I have a lot of respect for him but I am far off that level he played for Liverpool. I have to go my own way, be Emre Can. I met him in Los Angeles, we have stayed in touch.”
With Lucas injured and seemingly out of favour and Kevin Stewart definitely regarded as a backup option, the holding midfield spot belongs to Can this term, providing he can stay fit. If he can add some composure and better decision making to his physicality and dribbling through the middle, he can develop into one of the leading central midfielders in the country.