Can reveals goose bump Anfield feeling
Ask Emre Can about the experience of an atmosphere at Anfield and the German midfielder is almost lost for words, his softly-spoken voice trailing off as he recalls the feeling.
After a summer of travelling following his switch to Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in July, the 20-year-old started the friendly with Borussia Dortmund at the Reds' home ground.
Then, a week on, he watched from the substitutes' bench as Brendan Rodgers' team kicked off their 2014-15 campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Southampton in L4.
Just two matches it may have been, but Can had already witnessed enough to fulfil the expectations he had of the historic stadium before his transfer was completed.
"The atmosphere at Anfield is exceptional," the midfielder reflected to Liverpoolfc.com with an accompanying smile.
"Many people around the world know that the stadium has a great atmosphere, and I had heard a lot about it before coming here.
"But the first time you run out at Anfield and experience it, the hair stands up on your neck. It wasn't my best match, the first one, but there are great matches to come for me.
"You can already see the kind of quality that is in this team. A 4-0 victory like that [over Dortmund] was a good example of what we can achieve."
There is much discussion in England regarding the level of passionate support and fan-orientated nature of the Bundesliga - how does Anfield compare?
Can continued: "There are differences between stadiums in Germany - some are that bit smaller and have less of a buzz among the fans, some of them are a lot bigger and have an incredible atmosphere.
"But Anfield is something else. The fans jump up and down, they cheer throughout. The way they sing, the scarves, it's the goose bumps again..."
Away from the pitch, the youth international has been busy brushing up on his fledgling English skills, learning the language to ease the transition to a new environment.
It is a challenge he is determined to conquer as he aims to continue a settling-in period that has been helped by the support of Rodgers and his new teammates.
"Every day together with the team I learn more English," he explained. "I want to learn perfect English as soon as possible so I have no problems on the pitch or life in general.
"The same applies off the pitch; for example, if you go to a bakery to buy bread, you learn something else again. You're always learning.
"All of the players have taken me on board and they've taken the time to get to know me - that has been really helpful. The coach talks to me a lot and tells me how I can improve.
"It's very important that he seeks out contact with the players. As everyone else has told me, he explained that English football is played at a high tempo and I'll have to become accustomed to that. But I will and I will get better through that dialogue."
Supporters have been typically quick to provide their backing via social media to Can too - a touch warmly received.
"I am pretty active on Instagram and Facebook, and I read a lot [of comments] on both," the midfielder enthusiastically added.
"The fans in this city live football. Lots of fans have come up to me on the street, asking me how it's going or looking for a photograph. They are nice, they are very kind to me."
When it came to selecting his shirt number upon arriving at Anfield, the German opted for a jersey that had previously been worn by a genuine club legend - one Jamie Carragher.
"Jamie Carragher is a big-name player," Can commented. "He wore No.23 and was a legend playing here. I want to become a great Liverpool player too and maybe the No.23 can help with that."